Factors leading to negative attitudes towards learning of mathematics at secondary school in Kwekwe district

Abstract

The performance in mathematics by students has persistently been poor. Students‘ attitudes towards mathematics have been a factor that is known to influence students‘ achievement in mathematics. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors contributing to negative attitudes towards mathematics resulting in poor performance at O‘level and also establish the strategies that can be adopted to improve performance in mathematics by students in secondary schools in Kwekwe district in Midlands Province. The researcher used purposive sampling procedure in selecting the schools and the simple random selection was used for pupils. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The instruments were administered to [120] students, [12] secondary school teachers and [3] H.O.Ds for the schools used. Factors contributing to poor performance results from both teachers and students negative attitude, lack of motivation by teachers and the methods used for teaching. Parents‘ negative comments on mathematics have an effect in developing negative attitudes by pupils. The economic status of parents is also a contributory factor the school environment, influence of peers and adolescence all contribute in students‘ attitude towards mathematics. Improving these factors and sensitization of local community to discard practices which prohibit students‘ effective participation in learning maths could improve performance at O‘ level. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will give curriculum developers new insights in emerging issues on performance and influence the ministry of education on policy formulation. Students are also expected to benefit from the findings because improved mathematics performance will give them opportunity to pursue science related courses in higher institutions of learning.