ISSN 2360-7963
Abstract
Mathematical anxiety is critical to influencing the teaching and learning of mathematics. Yet, little is known about the level of mathematical anxiety among Ghanaian students. The study investigates the nature and level of mathematical anxiety among Senior High School (SHS) students in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect quantitative data from 270 final-year students from non-science departments of four (4) public SHSs using a 5-point Likert scale. Frequencies and percentages were used in analysing data collected. Data revealed that mathematical anxiety exists among SHS students; 64% of the respondents have high mathematical anxiety, while only 2% have low mathematical anxiety. However, 34% of the participants exhibit moderate mathematical anxiety. Findings provide awareness of the high level of mathematical anxiety among SHS students in the Agona Municipality of Ghana, and further studies are recommended to measure the prevalent cases of mathematical anxiety of students in other regions.
Keywords: Mathematical Anxiety, Nature of mathematical anxiety, Levels of anxiety, teaching of mathematics, learning of mathematics