Student and Family Related Variables in Learning Mathematics and their Impact on Achievement of Natural Science Preparatory School Students
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Date
2014-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate students’ mathematics achievement and related
variables that influence or enhance in the special zone of Oromia at preparatory school. And to
examine the prevailing challenges that restrict them to use their own preferences of attitude,
anxiety, motivation and learning style variables. The study was intended to highlight a number of
influences and significance of mathematics in the zone surrounding Addis Ababa. To this end,
this study is believed to contribute a lot in addressing variables which related to students and
their family in mathematics achievement , provide feedback to the concerned government bodies
to help them improve learning of mathematics at preparatory schools. It is also to reduce the bias
or prejudice in mathematics by assisting students to use their own preferred learning styles and
attitude, motivation and anxiety. This study was conducted from four preparatory schools. A
quantitative method that was descriptive and employed in the study used the instruments like
questionnaires and achievement test. The sample comprised of 308 (M=204, F=104) students
and 221 and 87 from grade 11 and 12 were selected randomly. Statistical tools were used for
final analysis. It shows participant’s responses and acceptance and family related variables like
family size, income and family education towards mathematics. So, it is advisable to treat the
variables for better achievement and play a maximum role. The significant difference between
student attitude with sex and achievement is (p=.004) and 83%. Anxiety and confidence among
achievers is (p=0.038 and p=0.010). Dependent learning style and grade is p=.022 and
motivation in mathematics. And family education and visual learning style is significant. There
are difference in sex and high income family student and educated family in their achievement.
To overcome the influences my suggestions: use the collaborative learning style since female are
better. Exercise solved problems in mathematics. Give continuous training to teachers and
encouraging student class participation and teachers act like facilitator. The overall achievement
scores of the participants were found to be less than the promotion policy cut off 50% as per the
country. 51.62% of the student is below the promotion policy score .But the over all average is
above standard boundary average relative to M=50.52. Because of the finding, educators should
be aware of student’s attitudes and seek to improve them in order to positively influence student
academic achievement
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Keywords
Student and Family Related Variables, in Learning Mathematics