Exploring the relationship between students' attitudes and fraction sense proficiency across lower secondary grades

Abstract

Understanding fractions is a critical mathematical skill necessary for more advanced mathematical concepts and applications. However, many students struggle with fraction sense, which is the foundational understanding and flexible use of fractions. This study aims to explore the relationship between students' attitudes toward learning fractions and their proficiency in fraction sense in lower secondary grades. Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 296 students aged 13 to 15 using the Fraction Sense Test (FST) and the Attitudes Towards Learning Fractions Questionnaire (ATLF). The study found that students consistently struggled with fractional concepts, achieving low scores across all grades. Nevertheless, a significant, though diminishing, relationship was observed between positive attitudes towards fractions and fraction sense proficiency from Secondary One to Secondary Three. These findings suggest the need to integrate meaningful fraction learning approaches to maintain students' positive attitudes, thereby improving their overall mathematical competence.