This study investigates the changes in mathematical problem-solving beliefs and behaviour of mathematics students during the
years after entering university. Novice bachelor students fill in a questionnaire about their problem-solving beliefs and
behaviour. At the end of their bachelor programme, as experienced bachelor students, they again fill in the questionnaire.
As an educational exercise in academic reflection, they have to explain their individual shifts in beliefs, if any. Significant
shifts for the group as a whole are reported, such as the growth of attention to metacognitive aspects in problem-solving
or the growth of the belief that problem-solving is not only routine but has many productive aspects. On the one hand, the
changes in beliefs and behaviour are mostly towards their teachers’ beliefs and behaviour, which were measured using the same
questionnaire. On the other hand, students show aspects of the development of an individual problem-solving style. The students
explain the shifts mainly by the specific nature of the mathematics problems encountered at university compared to secondary
school mathematics problems. This study was carried out in the theoretical framework of learning as enculturation. Apparently,
secondary mathematics education does not quite succeed in showing an authentic image of the culture of mathematics concerning
problem-solving. This aspect partly explains the low number of students choosing to study mathematics.
Keywords Mathematical problem-solving - Behaviour - Beliefs - Enculturation - Higher education - Secondary education