Qualitatively different experiences of learning mathematics at university

This paper reports research into the conceptions of mathematics, orientations to studying it and experiences of learning it of first year university students. A questionnaire based on studentsʹ conceptions of mathematics was developed. This and other questionnaires which investigated studentsʹ approaches to learning mathematics and their mathematical experiences were issued to students at the beginning of the year and after one semester. The results suggest two qualitatively different experiences of learning mathematics. Differences in studentsʹ conceptions of mathematics were shown to be related to their approaches to learning mathematics, their experiences of studying the subject and their performance on assessments.