STUDENTS’ VIEWS ON MATHEMATICS LEARNING: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS STUDENTS IN KATSINA STATE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to study students’ view on mathematics learning in Katsina State Senior Secondary Schools of Nigeria, such as their conceptions of mathematics, attitudes toward mathematics  learning,  etc.  A  questionnaire  was  administered  to a random sample of 1,225 senior secondary two (SS II) students ofKatsina State in Nigeria. The data collected showed a clear picture of the hurdles that affect the teaching and learning of mathematics in our schools. Problems such as logistics and operational which include shortage of mathematics teachers, non–availability of a mathematics laboratory, etc. were identified. It also depicted the substantial trends of  changing  views  and  attitudes  toward  mathematics  across secondary  schools.  Students’  responses  to  the  conception  of mathematics were consistent and they demonstrated some specificcharacteristics of their views in learning mathematics. This survey has  provided  useful  information  regarding  students’  needs  and aspirations  in  mathematics  learning  for  curriculum  planners  andfrontline teachers for future curriculum reform and implementation.