TITLE:
The Impact of Mathematics Anxiety on Students’ Persistence in Mathematics Courses: A Study in the Oshakati Circuit
AUTHORS:
Brian Makaka, Moses Chirimbana, Lahya Nghipandulwa
KEYWORDS:
Mathematics Anxiety, Persistence, Mathematics Courses, Students, Oshakati Circuit
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.11 No.12,
December
28,
2023
ABSTRACT: This study aims to investigate
the impact of mathematics anxiety on students’ persistence in mathematics
courses within the Oshakati Circuit. The study utilized a survey design,
employing a simple random sampling technique to select a sample of 60 grade 10
learners from two different schools in the circuit. Data were collected through a closed-ended questionnaire
using a five-point Likert scale. The collected data were analyzed using the
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software and presented in
tables. The findings revealed that students acknowledged the influence of
mathematics anxiety on their overall motivation to continue studying the
subject. The study also highlighted the importance of subjective norms and
perceived behavioral control in managing mathematics anxiety. The findings
provide valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of students in
relation to mathematics anxiety and emphasize the need for targeted
interventions, effective coping strategies, and supportive learning
environments to foster students’ persistence in mathematics education. Further
research with larger sample sizes and a combination of qualitative and
quantitative methods is recommended to enhance understanding of this important
issue. Overall, this study contributes to the existing literature on
mathematics anxiety and its impact on students’ persistence in mathematics
courses, offering implications for educators and policymakers to support
students’ long-term success in mathematics.