Attitudes towards mathematics of Form IV students in State Junior Lyceums

Abstract

This study investigates the attitudes of Form IV Junior Lyceum students towards mathematics. In particular, students' age, family social background and mathematical achievement were investigated in relation to the students' attitudes. Aiken's attitude test (Aiken, 1979) was administered to 120 boys and 120 girls attending Form IV classes in two Junior Lyceums students within two schools. Reliability and validity of the test were investigated for both Pilot and Main Study were found to be highly significant. The Aiken's Attitude Test comprises four scales, namely: i) 'Enjoyment of Mathematics Subscale' ii) 'Motivation in Mathematics Subscale' iii) 'Impprtance of Mathematics Subscale' iv) 'Freedom of fear in Mathematics Subscale'. Students' responses were analysed by each seperate subscale, as well as by their overall performance on the test.