STUDENTS' PERCEPTION OF MATHEMATICS AND THEIR LEARNING BEHAVIOUR IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IFE CENTRAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OSUN STATE
Keywords:
Mathematics, Perception, Learning Behaviour, Secondary Schools StudentsAbstract
This study investigated the influence of students' perception of mathematics and their behaviour towards learning the subject with specific focus on student's attitude, self- concept, teachers' teaching methods, and teacher' reinforcement.The study employed a non- experimental descriptive research design. From the population of 573, a sample of 261 SSIIstudents was purposively selected. The instrument titled 'Students' Perception of Mathematics Questionnaire (SPMQ)' constructed by the researchers built on a modified 4- point Likert scale was used to collect data. The instrument was validated by experts both in science education as well as in test and measurement. The reliability coefficient through Cronbach alpha was found to be 0.79. The results revealed, student's attitude (mean3.13, variance 1.123); self-concept (mean 2.30, variance 1.419);teaching methods(mean 2.85, variance 1.227); and reinforcement strategies (mean 3.09, variance0.84).The findings revealed that students' negative perception of mathematics, teaching methods, and lack of reinforcement significantly affect their learning behaviour. It is then recommended that mathematics education reform, teacher professional development, and reinforcement strategies be implemented to improve mathematics learning outcomes.
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