How happy are our students? A case study of three higher education Institutions

• Cristina M. R. Caridade ^[2] ; José Alexandre Martins ^[1]
  1. [1] Instituto Politécnico da Guarda

     Instituto Politécnico da Guarda

     Guarda (Sé), Portugal

     
  2. [2] Coimbra Institute of Engineering, Polytechnic of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal;b CICGE, DGAOT, FCUP, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal;c Research Centre for Natural Resources Environment and Society (CERNAS), Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Portugal;d Research Group on Sustainability Cities and Urban Intelligence (SUScita), Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
• Localización: International journal of mathematical education in science and technology, ISSN 0020-739X, Vol. 56, Nº. 8, 2025, págs. 1567-1580
• Idioma: inglés
• DOI: 10.1080/0020739X.2025.2495098
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• Resumen

  • The link between happiness and mathematics learning is complicated but fundamental. Good emotions can improve the quality of any learning experience and this is especially true for mathematics, as it is often seen as complicated and scary. Happiness and mathematics learning are linked by the ability of positive emotions to create a healthy learning environment, reduce stress, increase motivation, and develop skills. Happiness around mathematics not only helps students improve academically, but also organises a lasting memory of the syllabus. In this study, a questionnaire was developed to measure students' perception of happiness in mathematics classes. Its purpose will be to find aspects that can be improved, so that students have the possibility of becoming happier people while learning mathematics. The questionnaire will be a useful tool to collect data that would allow understanding the student's emotional situation in mathematics class, observing the points of greatest tension and seeing opportunities to make the learning process more positive and enjoyable. Based on the responses that have been collected and analysed, it is possible for teachers and schools in general to choose and change their teaching methods to create happier learning experiences for students.