A Study on Mathematics Anxiety at Secondary School Level Students in Hyderabad District

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to explore the Mathematics Anxiety at Secondary School Level Students in Hyderabad District” having the objectives to identify the symptoms of mathematics anxiety, to determine the level and to analyze the impact of mathematics anxiety and to suggest the measure for handling the mathematics anxiety among secondary school level students. Exploratory research design was selected to explore the symptoms and level of mathematics anxiety and their impact on academic behaviour of girl students. Exploratory research aims to augment understanding of a situation. The systematic random sampling was used, the sample size was derived from taro yamani (1967) formula. Which was 356 girl students studying in grade X from government girls’ schools of district Hyderabad. The data was collected through five-point rating scale named as; The Mathematics Anxiety-Apprehension Survey by Dr. T. Nelson Ikegulu (1998). The collected data was interpreted and analyzed by using SPSS.V 16. The major findings of this study indicate that Girl students in secondary school’s face mathematics anxiety which increases when students face mathematics test or exam, taking Mathematics test is a scary experience for them their mind seems to go blank during Mathematics test or exams. Students feel nervous about mathematics and when completing Mathematics assignments. Students do not feel confidence when solving Mathematics problems, because it is difficult for them to grasp Mathematics concepts and the Mathematics formulas are difficult for them to remember and they just memorize Mathematics formulas but do not understand their applications. The content given in the text book is not understood well by Mathematics students because they feel difficulty for understanding Mathematics instructions; they take a lot of pressure taking Mathematics subjects so they avoid the Mathematics subjects. Mathematics Anxiety increase more when students go up to a higher class, and usually, girl students do not want to get future careers in the field of mathematics. This study helps parents, school administrators, and policymakers implement measures to reduce anxiety, enhance students’ confidence, and promote a positive learning experience in mathematics. Moreover, this study suggests the measures for teachers as main stake holder to reduce the mathematics anxiety through guidance counseling and appropriate teaching strategies.