STUDENT’S ATTITUDE TOWARD MATHEMATICS
ROMMEL M. SAN MATEO
What is your favorite subject in school? This question is very often to heard and always ask to every student. Of course, their answer is not mathematics. Only few numbers of students make mathematics as their favorite subject because for them it is very difficult and boring to learn. They also said that mathematics is irrelevant to their lives and not all topics can be used in their daily living. This is the reason why educators continually seeking ways to improve student learning outcomes in this important subject. One of the determining factors that significantly impacts a student's performance in mathematics is their attitude towards the subject. Attitude covers feelings, beliefs, and behaviors. All of which can greatly influence a student's interest in mathematics.
Student attitudes toward mathematics can be categorized into three primary dimensions: affective, cognitive, and behavioral. The affective dimension pertains to the feelings of like or dislike, confidence or anxiety, and interest or boredom related to mathematics. The cognitive dimension involves beliefs about one's abilities in mathematics. It is all about the perceived difficulty of the subject, and its relevance in real-life situations. The behavioral dimension deals with the student's actions and willingness to participate in mathematical activities such as problem-solving and classroom discussions. Experiences of students with the subject have also a contributing factor why they like the subject or not. If they have a positive experience, it can foster a love for the subject while negative experience may create disinterest.
As a mathematics teacher, we have a crucial role in shaping student attitudes. An enthusiastic and supportive teacher can inspire a passion for mathematics, while a disengaged or harsh teacher might promote negative perceptions toward the subject. Since their perception about the subject is difficult, let us try something new about the subject where students can learn without fear and boost their confidence about the subject because they know that they have a supportive teacher that is willing to guide and help them. I also believe that parents have an impact to make the subject mathematics be like by their children. Parental attitudes and beliefs about mathematics have significant effect to a child's attitude. Encouragement and positive reinforcement from parents can foster a sense of self-efficacy in mathematics.
Understanding the importance of student attitudes toward mathematics can guide teachers in designing effective teaching strategies to enhance learning outcomes. The teacher needs to cultivate a positive learning environment. Because creating a supportive and inclusive classroom atmosphere can encourage students to engage with mathematics more willingly. We also encounter students who suffer from Mathematics anxiety that is why they have a poor performance. Teachers should implement techniques where students find the subject interesting and not boring. A strategy that is suited to their interest and aligned to their needs so that their anxiety towards the subject will be alleviated and they started to love and like the subject. One of the best strategies that teacher can apply is to make mathematics relevant to their lives. Real-world applications of mathematics can make the subject more relatable and interesting to students. This can enhance their motivation to learn and apply mathematical concepts. Furthermore, to nurture a love for the subject and promote self-confidence in students can pave the way for a generation of mathematically inclined individuals who can contribute to the development of the whole world.
-oOoThe author is Master Teacher I at Bongabon National High School