Abstract
Students’ learning and performance in mathematics is affected by several factors, including students’ attitude. This paper aims to understand the gender differences in attitude toward mathematics and mathematics achievement. A descriptive survey design was used, and the participants consisted of 360 Junior High School students. Two instruments, semi-structured questionnaire and students test scores were used. The results revealed that, in general, both female and male students held positive attitudes towards mathematics, and there was no significant difference in attitudes between genders toward mathematics. However, the results established that there was a significant difference in achievement. It was recommended that to achieve sustainable development goal 4, teachers, parents, and educational authorities should develop creative and innovative ways of helping students, especially female students to build self-confidence in the learning of mathematics.
Highlights
Mathematics continues to be the fulcrum on which life centres on
It is interesting to note that analysis of the descriptive statistics shows that the female students ascribed more positively to statements concerning the relevance of mathematics and their perseverance to getting a mathematics task done
Helping students understand the utilitarian motive behind the mathematical concepts that they are learning can help in our quest for helping students develop positive attitudes
Summary
Mathematics continues to be the fulcrum on which life centres on. It is a globally accepted phenomenon that life without mathematics would practically not be possible because mathematics permeates into all studies. Put; one cannot buy, sell, communicate, travel, eat, wear and even sleep without numerical (Mathematical) concept being put in use. This world, for some time, has put so much emphasis on science and technology. Kavkler, Magajna and Babuder (2014) have postulated that mathematics in this technological era become an essential tool for developing rational human personality. Mathematical knowledge develops in people critical thinking for most especially life and career decisions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
