This study investigates the arithmetic thinking of first-year middle school students who encounter difficulties in learning mathematics. The objective is to identify the causes of these difficulties by comprehensively analyzing their mathematical affe...
This study investigates the arithmetic thinking of first-year middle school students who encounter difficulties in learning mathematics. The objective is to identify the causes of these difficulties by comprehensively analyzing their mathematical affective characteristics and mathematics learning experiences. To this end, a case study was conducted with two students. Findings indicate that the students' level of arithmetic thinking was significantly below average, particularly their understanding of fractions. Their affective characteristics were also very low. A subsequent investigation into the students’ mathematical learning experiences revealed that their socioeconomic factors were identified as the primary cause of their challenges in learning mathematics.