STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS MATHEMATICS: THE CASE OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BORANA ZONE, ETHIOPIA

Authors

  • Awol Assen Wollo University, Welo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30862/jhm.v3i2.93

Keywords:

Secondary school, Students’ attitude, Achievement, Influencing factors, mathematics

Abstract

Mathematics is an essential field of science applied in nearly all areas of knowledge and individuals’ daily lives. Therefore, understanding students’ attitudes towards it and affecting their mathematics performance is an essential step for appropriate intervention to make the subject enjoyable. This paper aims to give a comprehensive picture of students’ attitudes towards mathematics and factors that affect their attitude and achievement. To achieve this objective, purposive and random sampling techniques were used. A questionnaire measuring students’ attitudes and their achievement in the subject was distributed to sample students in secondary schools. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was validated, pilot tested, and its reliability was determined. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Students were asked to respond to a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire that includes factors that affect the teaching practice, teachers’ attribution, classroom climate, and students’ concern as a contributing factor for their attitude towards mathematics. Besides, five free-response questions were also included to get an in-depth view of students towards mathematics. Results indicated that students have an almost positive attitude towards mathematics. Factors contributing to poor performance include lack of practice, language deficiency, societal influence, comprehensive content of the subject, lack of background on the course, development of examination in mathematics, absence of tutorial, the need for more recreation, and lack of confidence. Students’ attitude towards mathematics has determined students’ achievement directly as well as the perspective of students, and their achievements are interdependent.

References

Agdie, T. G., Mekasha, M. T., Ali, A. B., Mamo, M., Mitiku, M., & Gone, S. (2019). Assessment of Teachers’ Attitude, Students’ Attitude and Performance in Mathematics in Secondary Schools: A Case Study in Hawassa City and Hawassa Zuria Woredas, Ethiopia. American Journal of Theoretical and Applied Statistics, 8(3), 94-107.

Ajayi, K. O., Lawani, A. O., & Adeyanju, H. I. (2011). Effects of students' attitude and self-concept on achievement in senior secondary school mathematics in Ogun State, Nigeria. Journal of research in national development, 9(2), 202-211.

Bergsten, C., & Frejd, P. (2019). Preparing pre-service mathematics teachers for STEM education: an analysis of lesson proposals. ZDM, 51(6), 941-953.

Bohner, G., & Wänke, M. (2002). Attitudes and Attitude Change. East Sussex: Psychology Press.

Demssie, M. (2019). Perceived factors affecting students’ mathematics performance in North Showa Zone Secondary Schools in Ethiopia. International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Applied Sciences, 8(5), 21-36.

Engida, M., & Zeytu, G. (2017). Assessing the Influence of Attitude Towards Mathematics on Achievement of Grade 10 and 12 Female Students in Comparison with Their Male Counterparts: Wolkite, Ethiopia. International Journal of Secondary Education, 5(5), 56-69.

Eshetu, A., Dilamo, O., Tsfaye, A., & Zinabu, G. (2009). Science and mathematics secondary education in Ethiopia. An Option paper presented at the Technical Workshop on Science and Mathematics Secondary Education in Africa (SEIA) Follow-up Program, Tunis.

Githua, B. N. (2013). Secondary school students’ perceptions of mathematics formative evaluation and the perceptions’ relationship to their motivation to learn the subject by gender in Nairobi and Rift Valley Provinces, Kenya. Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2(1), 174-183.

Mekuria, Y. S., Alemu, S. D., & Tadesse, H. (2018). Analysis of Students’ Commitment and Attitude towards Mathematics in Secondary School of Dega Woreda, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Humaniora, 9(2), 187-197.

Olaosebikan, F. (1985). Poor students’ Performance in School Certificate Science Examination: Causes and Remedies. STAN 27th Conference Proceedings, 137-142.

Oundo, M. B., & Chuka, K. (2013). Factors affecting mathematics academic counseling Services: the secondary school counsellors’ perspective. International Journal of Education and Research, 1(12), 57-85.

Sarwat, M., Safia, S., & Manzoor, H. A. (2013). Attitude towards Mathematics and Academic Achievement in Mathematics among Secondary Level Boys and Girls. IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science (JHSS), 6(4), 38-41.

Silva, D. L., Tadeo, M. C., Delos Reyes, V., & Dadigan, R. M. (2006). Factors associated with non-performing Filipino students in mathematics: A vision of student’s cognitive and behavior management. Proceedings of the 2nd IMT-GT Regional conference on Mathematics, Statistics and Applications. Penang: Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Standslause, O. E., Maito, T. L., & Ochiel, J. O. (2013). Teachers and students attitude towards mathematics in secondary schools in Siaya County, Kenya. Asian Journal of Management Sciences and Education, 2(3), 116-123.

Tella, A. (2017). Teacher variables as predictors of academic achievement of primary school pupils mathematics. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 1(1), 16-33.

White, T. (2019). Artifacts, Agency and Classroom Activity: Materialist Perspectives on Mathematics Education Technology. Cognition and Instruction, 37(2), 169-200.

Zachariah, K. M., Komen, K., George, M. M., & George, R. N. (2012). Factors contributing to students’ poor performance in mathematics at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in Kenya: A case of Baringo County, Kenya. American International Journal of Contemporary Research, 2(6), 87-91.

Downloads

Published

2020-10-12

How to Cite

Assen, A. (2020). STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS MATHEMATICS: THE CASE OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BORANA ZONE, ETHIOPIA. Journal of Honai Math, 3(2), 169–180. https://doi.org/10.30862/jhm.v3i2.93

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.