An identification of factors influencing student's attitude and perception towards mathematics using factor analysis

摘要

Mathematics is a subject that is important in all disciplines. Students have to master the subject especially students majoring in science and engineering. Mathematics prowess students can easily master the subject, but there are still many students who perceive mathematics as a difficult subject. Attitude and perception towards mathematics are factors that can influence students toward achievement in the subject. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify and find the main factor that influences the attitudes and perceptions of students towards mathematics, specifically in calculus. A sample of 247 diploma students of UiTM Pulau Pinang had answered the questionnaire that consists of 15 items related to students' attitudes and perceptions towards calculus. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The results obtained indicated that the interest factor is the major contributor to attitudes and perceptions of students towards calculus. In addition, other contributing factors are self-confidence, perseverance, mind set and conceptual understanding. As a conclusion, the educators should give more attention to students' interest in mathematics so that they are more receptive to learning mathematics.