Factors influencing attitudes towards mathematics among junior high school students in Samreboi Circuit, Ghana

Abstract

This study examined factors that influence the attitude of students towards the learning of Mathematics among Junior High Schools in Samreboi circuit. A quantitative study using the cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study with a population of 1200 second year Junior High School students. The simple sampling technique was used to select 180 respondents for the study. A structured questionnaire designed by the researcher on a 4-point Likert scale was used to collect the quantitative data. Mean and standard deviation was used to analyse research questions 1, 2 and 3 while independent sample t-test was used to analyse the fourth research question. The research instrument was validated through my supervisor who is expert in the field and pre-test was used to check the its reliability. The study revealed that the poor attitudes of students towards the study of mathematics is not associated with parental influence. The study also revealed that the positive attitudes of teachers towards teaching and learning positively influenced students‟ attitude towards the study of the subject. It was concluded that though the students disagreed that factors relating to the home or family as far as their parents are concerned do not influence their attitudes, several studies have established a positive correlation between family characteristics and students‟ attitude formation. The study also revealed a positive relationship between teacher factors and students‟ attitude formation towards Mathematics. It was recommended that the education directorate should organise a sensitisation workshop for parents/guardians to educate them on their influence on the attitude formation of their wards towards Mathematics.