ANALYSIS OF THE STUDENTS PERCEPTION ON THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF MATHEMATICS ANXIETY AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

ABSTRACT: Anxiety in mathematics is a reoccurring phenomenon in students of different grades and classes. The impact of mathematics anxiety spans from poor academic performance to poor individual analytical and problem solving skills. This study was undertaken in this light to critically examine and assess the causes and effect of mathematics anxiety among students of secondary school. This assessment was uniquely carried out from the perception of the students. A quantitative research methodology was adopted and a survey research design employed. A sample of 121 student were enrolled in the study after obtaining due consent from the various school authorities. The results of the survey were analysed using frequency and percentage counts. The null hypothesis was tested using the one-sample t-test statistics tool. The findings from this study revealed that teaching style of teachers is among the major causes of mathematics anxiety among students. Other causes of mathematics anxiety includes sample questions issued to students during classwork, test and exams. Further findings also shows that background information form family and peers contribute to mathematics anxiety among students. The hypothesis test result revealed that there is a significant difference in anxiety between male and female students. This study recommends reassessment of teaching style of teachers and ensuring that mathematical formula and process are broken into easy steps for adequate comprehension for the students.