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Influence Of Students' Attitudes To The Learning Of Mathematics On Their Academic Achievements
[A CASE STUDY OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN JALINGO METROPOLIS]
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Mathematics
throughout the world is regarded as essential tool in many fields,
including natural science, engineering, medicine, finance and social
sciences. Branches of Mathematics include: algebra which are abstract
algebra, modules, vector spaces, combinatory and number theory; analysis
which include: calculus, real and complex analysis, vector and tensor
analysis, differential equations and functional analysis; geometry which
includes euclidean and geometry, affine, metric, projective geometry,
discrete geometry, differential geometry and algebraic geometry;
foundations which are Logic, computability, recursion theory, set
theory, category theory and applied mathematics which are probability,
statistics, game theory system and control theory and computer science
(Obodo, 2004). Applied mathematics as a branch of mathematics is
concerned with the application of mathematical knowledge to other
fields. This branch of mathematics inspires and makes use of new
mathematical discoveries which has led to the development of entirely
new mathematics disciplines, such as statistics and game theory. The
earliest uses of mathematics were in trading, land measurement, painting
and weaving patterns and recording of time. The use of mathematics has
since been greatly extended to politics, stock market, financial
calculations (like budget), population, competition, and even as a
prestige (Usman & Ojo, 2014).
Mathematics is a science with the
basic scientific skills and objectives. Zakariyya (2014) posited that
without mathematics, there will be no science, without sciences there
will be no technology and without technology there will be no modern
society. From this statement, it is therefore an accepted truth that no
society can reach heights of greatness unless there is an ample supply
of dedicated men and women in all fields critical to its growth, and
developing such experts like scientists and technologists to satisfy the
concept, there is a need for a good knowledge of mathematics in order
to work efficiently. Education enables science and technology with a
good knowledge of mathematics to convert human skills and enterprises
into materials wealth and social amenities. It affords man a comfortable
living and simplifies man activities. For instance, technology has
provided a tractor for farming instead of a hoe and a vacuum cleaner for
clearing instead of broom, while science is primarily concerned with
the production of knowledge, technology is concerned with its use with
mathematics playing an essential role in the development of technology.
The future and longevity of any social sector depends on how many
talented young people are attracted to mathematics (Usman & Ojo,
2014).
According to Thomaskutty and George (2008), mathematics cannot
be considered as a classroom discipline only. This implied that not
only an academician, a scientist, or an engineer, need mathematics but
also a shopkeeper, a housewife, a sportsman, a farmer, and an employee
need mathematics. A common man gets on sometimes very well without
learning how to read and write, but he can never pull on without
learning how to count and calculate. Thus mathematics has therefore
become an everyday and everybody’s phenomenon. Man uses it directly or
indirectly in everyday life or activities. It is a human invention,
borne out of human in attempt to solve human problems (Kolawole &
Oluwatayo, 2005). In spite of all these importance accorded to
mathematics in the society, there exist low levels of mathematics
attainment of students at every segment of the educational system in the
country. This has given many educators/stakeholders a high level of
concern (Ajayi, Abiola & Adeyanju, 2011).
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ABSRACT - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]This study examined students’ attitudes towards the learning of mathematics in secondary schools in Jalingo Metropolis, Nigeria. The seemingly misconceptions by students, parents, teachers and even Government officials that mathematics is a difficult subject necessitated this study. The objectives of the study were to; determine the extent to which students’ attitude towards mathematics affect their academic performance in examinations; establish the relationship between teachersâ ... Continue reading---
