Secondary School Students’ Mathematics Anxiety: A Zimbabwean Perspective

Abstract

This study employed a mixed-methods technique to examine the spectrum of mathematics anxiety levels felt and expressed by Zimbabwean students studying Ordinary level mathematics. Ninety-one pupils from forms 3 and 4 (N = 91) made up the convenient sample; of them, 41 were male and 50 were female. The instrument used was the Hopko-adapted amalgamated mathematics anxiety scale (aMAS) (2003). While focus group conversations were audio recorded and transcribed to explore in-depth, social settings and learning environments that cause anxiety, the quantitative data was analysed using SPSS, version 23.0. The key categories were then thematically classified and analysed with quantitative information. To test a hypothesis based on the data, an independent samples t-test was run to see whether males and females’ anxiety levels differed by mean. The results showed that the participants experienced significant mathematics anxiety, and many situations—including parental and social pressure, instructional methods, and learning environments—reinforce math fear. Findings also show that, society exerts significant pressure on learners due to high expectations of success in mathematics. Additionally, some teachers were viewed as fuelling the anxiety through their repertoire and that classroom environments may unintentionally cause discomfort to mathematically challenge peers. Interesting suggestions were made by respondents regarding how to help people with math anxiety. The study offers a compelling case for its relevance to teacher education, research, and instructional practice. The study also recommends conducting comparative studies as one method of comprehending the issue. Keywords: Cognitive achievement, Mathematics-anxiety, Teaching-learning, Gender issues, Social phenomena.