STUDENTS PERCEPTION ON THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF MATHEMATICS ANXIETY IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL IN BOSSO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the students Perception on the causes and effects of mathematics anxiety in senior secondary schools in Bosso Local Government Area, Niger State. This study was guided by the following objectives; to examine the student’s perception on the causes and effects of mathematics anxiety in senior secondary schools and to determine the causes and effects of mathematics anxiety among students based on Gender in senior secondary schools. The study employed the survey research design. A five point Likert scale structured questionnaires was applied in order to collect data from the sample of three hundred and seventy-five (375) out of the total population of fifteen thousand, six hundred and thirty four (15,634). The research questions were answered using a descriptive statistics while the hypothesis was tested using the Chi-square correlation statistical tool at 5% level of significance. The study findings revealed that society, school, teacher and even the students as factors that causes mathematics anxiety to senior secondary school students as perceived by both the teachers and the students. The p-value of the correlation between the male perception and the female perception was found to be .089. Based on the findings of the study; the researcher recommended that counseling units should be provided in secondary schools to redirect students’ mindset about mathematics; to letting them know the importance and usefulness of mathematics in their everyday activity.