Beliefs, attitudes and self-confidence in learning mathematics among basic school students in the Central Region of Ghana

Abstract

In this era of information and technology it is generally accepted that mathematics plays a very crucial role in national development. In view of this, it has become our desire that our students will be able to feel that mathematics is an enjoyable and rewarding subject for them but the question which still remain unanswered is do we succeed? The purpose of this study was to understand and determine the attitude, beliefs and self confidence in learning mathematics among grade nine students in the central region of Ghana. Five hundred (500) grade nine students in the Central Region of Ghana were selected using purposeful, and stratified random sampling methods for the study. Likert scale items questionnaire was designed to ascertain students‟ personal characteristics, occupational aspirations, attitudes and self-confidence in learning mathematics. The respondents showed that the students had positive attitude towards mathematics and see mathematics as a very important subject which will help them in their daily lives. However, the majority of the students were of the view that a more positive attitude could be formed if their mathematics teachers show a more positive attitude and high self-confidence in mathematics and encourage them to develop interest in the subject. The study also revealed that there is the need for teachers, school authorities and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to offer guidance and counselling services for students to help them in their selection of academic programmes at the senior high school level and future career aspirations.

Keywords: attitude to mathematics, beliefs in mathematics, self confidence in mathematics, occupational aspirations, educational aspirations