Attitiude towards Mathematics and Achademic Achievement in Mathematics among Secondary Level Boys and Girls

Abstract

Attitudes towards are the important determinants of academic success and achievement. In order to succeed in a subject, positive attitude towards a subject is a necessary prerequisite. This also applies to mathematics, especially in case of girls as compared to boys. The main purpose of the study was to measure relationship of attitude towards mathematics with academic achievement in math among 9 th and 10 th class secondary level students. Sample of the study consisted of 500 students out of which 200 were boys and 300 were girls. This sample was chosen from two girls' and two boys schools in wah cantt (Pakistan). The secondary students were mostly of 15 and 16 years age group. A 25- item questionnaire was self developed in the light of available literature on the subject and adaptation of another instrument, developed by Steinback and Gwizdala. Academic achievement was measured by the marks obtained by the sample in their recently held examination in mathematics in their school. The obtained data were analyzed and interpreted using statistical tool of correlation coefficient. The result show that boys differed in their mathematical achievement from girls. Girls achieved better results as compared to boys. Attitude towards mathematics and achievement in math did not go together.