An investigation of the factors influencing the attitudes of students towards the study of mathematics in Asokore DA Trinity Junior High School in the Sekyere East District –Ashanti Region

Abstract

The study investigated the factors influencing the attitude of students towards the study of mathematics in selected Junior High Schools in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana.The study was based on the ABC Attitude Model. Purposive sampling was used to select 102 respondents (students) at the Asokore D/A Trinity JHS in Sekyere East District for the study. Questionnaire was the sole instrument employed in the study. The SPSS software was used to analyzed the data. It was found out that the inability of the students at Asokore D/A Trinity JHS in Sekyere East District to perform well in mathematics is predominantly as a result of the fact that, most of them do not see mathematics as an essential component of daily life activities and therefore do not approach the learning of the subject with any seriousness. The research therefore made the following recommendations; teachers must ensure that their lessons are linked to real life activities, teachers must provide opportunity for all learners to learn by practicing, the headmaster must ensure that the mathematics teachers are equipped with modern pedagogical skills through in-service training, and the Parents must be sensitized during PTA meetings on the need to encourage their wards to learn at home as well as providing their basic needs.