Chapter 1

Introduction

We lived in a mathematical world, wherein we rely everything on

mathematical understanding. Mathematics is the science that deals with the logic

of shape, quantity and arrangement. Math is all around us, in everything we do. It

is the building block for everything in our daily lives, including mobile devices,

architecture ancient and modern, art, money, engineering, and even sports.

Since the beginning of recorded history, mathematic discovery has been at the

forefront of every civilized society, and in use in even the most primitive of

cultures. The needs of math arose based on the wants of society. The more

complex a society, the more complex the mathematical needs. The level of

mathematical thinking and problem solving needed in the workplace has

increased dramatically. In such a world, those who understand and can do

mathematics will have opportunities that others do not. Mathematical

competence opens doors to productive futures.

All students deserve an opportunity to understand the power and beauty of

mathematics. Students need to learn a new set of mathematics basics that

enable them to compute fluently and to solve problems creatively and

resourcefully. We need to educate all students in the fields of science,

technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in order to be competitive in

the 21st century global economy. This issue has gained significant momentum

over the last few years and is reaching critical mass but we still have a long way

to go in raising the level of our education and student achievement in these

fields. If we believe that the objective of a quality education for our children is to
develop the skills associated with learning and thinking, we need to do much

more. New and innovative learning programs need to be implemented,

integrating available technology to stimulate students' creativity, imagination and

confidence. Few classes bring students more stress than math courses. While

difficulty with math may be a matter of talent, many factors can affect a student's

achievements in a math course. Teacher, parents and students should

understand how a poor grade may reflect something beyond a lackluster effort.

Mathematics performance involves a complex interaction of factors on school

outcome. Although the relationship between mathematics achievements and

students factor has been studied widely, it is important to explore the factors that

contribute students’ mathematics achievements.

Background of the Study

Factors affecting mathematics achievement

Teachers’ attitudes had also been linked to students’ poor performance in a

study conducted by Osunde and Izevbigie (2006). In this study, 400 Nigerian post

primary school teachers’ attitudes toward the teaching profession were sorted.

They discovered that issues like delay in payment of salaries and poor financial

remuneration contributed to a low attitude of teachers in the teaching profession.

Bigornia (2000) determined the factors affecting the mathematical proficiency

level of High School Students. Teacher competence, pupils' background and

communication skills were found to have highly significant relationship with

pupils' mathematics achievement

According to Lucero (1999), parental involvement was significantly

correlated with both pupils' mathematics achievement and attitudes. Mathematics

achievement was significantly correlated with both father's education and

mathematics attitudes; while mathematics attitude was significantly correlated

with parents' monthly income.

Theoretical Framework

Conceptual Framework

Statement of the Problem

The study attemps to determine the Factors Affecting Mathematics achievement

of STEM Students in AMA CC Fairview Year 2019-2020.

Specifically it sought to answer the following question:

1. Is there significant relationship between students' mathematic achievement

and teacher related factors.

2. What is the extent of student related factors in term of:

2.1 Interest
2.2 Personal Habits
3. To what extent of teacher related factors as evaluated by students in terms of:

3.1 Personal Traits

3.2 Teaching skills

3.3 Instructional Materials

4. What are the associations of parental involvement affects the mathematics

achievement of their child.

5. Is there significant relationship between classroom climate and students'

mathematic achievement .

Hypothesis

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study is limited only to science, technology, engineering and

mathematics (STEM) students of AMA Computer College Fairview year 2019-

2020.

Determining the factors affecting mathematics achievements of STEM

students of AMA Computer College Fairview was the focus of this research. The

information needed will be gathered using semantic differential scale

questionaire. The study will invole dissemination of survey form to the student in

various sections which will help the researchers in gathering information.

Significance of the Study

This research is important as it underline the relevance factors that affecting

mathematics achievement of STEM Students in AMA Computer College Fairview.

The researchers consider this endeavor to be help of the school, students and

teachers as their guidelines on improving their mathematic programs. The main

objective of this study investigate the factors affecting mathematics achievement

in order to make recommendation for this area of contentions.

the result of this study will merit the following:

School: The result of this study could serve as a baseline data to improve
programs for school advancement

Teachers: The result of this study will help them appraise the existing
programs in terms of the student’s needs and abilities and make changes as
required.

Students: This study will help the students to develop their interest toward
Mathematics and appreciate the importance of Mathematics in their daily lives.

Parents: Who are directly concerned with the education of their children
considering school performance in different discipline.

Future Researchers/Readers: The result of this study can serve as basis

for further study on teaching learning activities and student mathematical
performance.

Definition of Terms