Mathematics is frequently considered as value-free, centring entirely on abstract reasoning. However, more often than not, the teaching of values in mathematics classrooms takes place implicitly through the actions of the teacher. The role values play in mathematics learning is also a growing area of interest and is now viewed by many as a contributing factor in the advancement of the quality of mathematics performance. This paper reports on part of a larger study aiming to establish the components that Grade 8–10 learners from a mathematics-and-science-focus school in Johannesburg value as important in the learning of mathematics. A quantitative survey was used to collect data from 249 participants. Principal component analysis was employed to analyse the data. The main findings revealed seven components that learners appeared to value in the learning of mathematics. Knowledge about what learners value in the learning of mathematics can inform teachers’ pedagogical practices and the inculcation of values in mathematics teaching, which may, in turn, improve the quality of learning of mathematics.

中文翻译：

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数学和科学重点学校的8-10年级学习者认为什么对数学学习很重要

数学通常被视为无价值的，完全基于抽象推理。但是，数学课堂中的价值观教学通常是通过教师的行动隐性地进行的。价值观在数学学习中的作用也日益引起人们的关注，现在许多人将其视为提高数学成绩质量的重要因素。本文报告了一项较大的研究的一部分，该研究旨在确定约翰内斯堡数学与科学重点学校的8-10年级学习者认为对数学学习至关重要的组成部分。定量调查用于收集249名参与者的数据。主成分分析被用来分析数据。主要发现揭示了学习者似乎在数学学习中看重的七个组成部分。了解学习者在数学学习中的价值是什么，可以为教师的教学实践和数学教学中的价值观灌输提供信息，进而可以提高数学的学习质量。