The Attitudes and Opinions of the Students towards Mathematics Course: The Comparison of TIMSS 1999 and TIMSS 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the attitudes of the students who participated in the application within the context of TIMSS 1999 and 2007 projects towards the "Maths course" and their opinions about "teaching activities in Maths course" had changed according to the mentioned years or not. The sample of TIMSS 1999 was comprised of 7834 students from the 8th grade and the sample of TIMSS 2007 was comprised of 4498 students from the 8th grade. The students were selected by means of stratified sampling method within the ratio of seven geographical regions and schools. The responses of students to the choices of common items in the questionnaires were summarized as percentages and they were illustrated with comparative graphics according to the years. The results of the study showed that the students have more positive attitudes towards the Maths course in TIMSS 2007 than they had in TIMSS 1999. In addition, the students more frequently reported to establish relationship with daily life and their learning in math; cooperative learning activities were increased by the time. In addition, essay exams and multiple choice test and quizzes were used more frequently. In terms of using maths course materials and devices there was no change in using calculator; however, an increase was observed in the use of computer.