Gender differences in attitude towards mathematics in Nigerian secondary schools

Abstract

This paper examined the gender differences in attitude towards mathematics in Nigerian secondary schools. A descriptive survey method was adopted for the study. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select twenty secondary schools in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State. Three hundred and seventy-five SS11 students were sampled. A questionnaire on the attitude of students towards mathematics was administered. The instrument was subjected to pilot testing of reliability and found the reliability coefficient of 0.71 with Cronbach Alpha. Finding revealed that there is a significant difference in the attitude of students towards mathematics on the basis of gender. Based on the finding, it was recommended among others that psychologists and counsellors should play vital role in positive attitude of secondary school students toward mathematics by counselling and mentoring them on its significance in their educational task.

Keywords: Gender, Attitude, Mathematics, Nigeria, Students