Few studies have examined self-belief in terms of both individual- and class-level
factors exclusively focusing on the domain of mathematics. Moreover, many studies do not
investigate self-belief from the students’ perspective via qualitative means, providing little
opportunity for students to explain perceptions about their own self-belief. This study
explores individual characteristics and class-level experiences perceived by Year 7
students to impact their mathematical self-belief. The research questions were: (1) What
personal beliefs and dispositions influence Year 7 students’ mathematical self-beliefs? (2)
What experiences and contexts do Year 7 students perceive influence their mathematical
confidence (i.e., self-belief)?