Attitude of undergraduate biology education students of Ignatius Ajuru university of education towards mathematics and their achievement

Abstract

This study investigated the attitudes of undergraduate Biology Education students at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education towards mathematics and its impact on their achievement in Biology. The research was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses, employing analytic descriptive survey and correlation research designs. A total of 186 students were selected using stratified random sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through the Biology Education Students Attitude to Mathematics and Achievement Questionnaire (BESAMAQ), which demonstrated good reliability (α = 0.79). The study's findings indicated that a majority of the students held positive attitudes towards mathematics. Moreover, a significant difference was observed between the percentages of students with positive and negative attitudes towards mathematics. Furthermore, a significant but negative and relatively weak relationship was detected between students' attitudes and their achievement in Biology. Based on these findings, it is recommended that mathematics instructors who teach Biology Education students should present mathematical concepts in a manner that highlights their relevance to Biology and daily life. This approach aims to stimulate interest among students with negative attitudes and alleviate their apprehensions regarding mathematics. By fostering a deeper understanding of the subject's practical application, instructors can contribute to improved attitudes and academic performance among Biology Education students.