Multi-program High School Students' Attitudes and Self-efficacy Perceptions toward Mathematics

Abstract

ProblemStatement: So far, there have been many problems in mathseducation in the world; negative attitudes and low self-efficacy perceptionstowards mathematics are the two important reasons for these problems. Thoughthere are several studies regarding the topic, choosing random students fromsecondary school for the sample group of the study creates problems as thestudents have to go through different programs. Therefore, this study aims tocover this gap in the field.Purpose of Study:  The purpose of this study is to determinethe students’ attitudes and self-efficacy perceptions towards mathematics interms of education programs, gender, grade level and mathematics performance,it also aims to see the relationship between attitudes and self-efficacyperceptions towards mathematics themselves.Method: The study was designed as adescriptive study in survey method. İn this paper, “Maths Attitude Scale”and “Self-Efficacy towards Mathematics Scale” were applied to the sample group,which consists of 212 students from different departments in a multi- programhigh school. İndependent t-test, one way ANOVA and correlation were used as thestatistical techniques.Findings andResults: Atthe end of the study, it is found that students’ scores for attitudes andself-efficacy perceptions tend to be uncertain. The students enrolled inregular school programs show higher self-efficacy perceptions and attitudesthan those attending vocational programs. Though the difference between femaleand male students’ attitudes is not meaningful, it is seen that male students’self-efficacy perceptions are higher than females’. Also, the grades they arestudying are not effective on their attitudes or perceptions. When one of thetested variables mathematics achievement–students’ marks-  is taken intoconsideration it is found out that students with higher marks (85-100) havealso higher self- efficacy perception points than the ones whose marks arelower (45-54 and 55-69). Besides, at the end of the study, a strong andpositive correlation was found between students’ attitudes and self-efficacyperceptions towards mathematics.Conclusions andRecommendations:With the aim of increasing vocational students’ attitudes towards mathematics,these students’ inabilities and weaknesses in mathematics should be determinedand teaching activities should be planned to overcome these weaknesses.