ATTITUDE

Attitude is an organization of beliefs feelings and behavioral tendencies towards an object

(Vaughan& Hogg, 2005). It is a positive or negative view about a person, object, idea or situation

which influences individual choice of action and responses to challenges.

Most research on attitudes points to the fact that attitude plays a crucial role in learning and

achievement in mathematics hence determines the student’s success in the subject (Zan and

Martino, 2007). It determines their ability and willingness to learn the subject, work on a variety

of assigned tasks and their persistence in the tasks available. In general, the conceptions students

hold about Mathematics determines how they approach mathematics tasks leading them into either

productive or non-productive orientations. Research on learner’s attitudes as a predictor to learning

and achievement in the subject emphasizes the importance of individual experiences, contexts

where students interact with others and with mathematics hence becoming an important focal

point.

According to Effandi & Normah (2009), students' attitudes towards mathematics are

closely related to their attitude towards problem-solving in general; negative attitudes need to be

overcome, so that students will not suffer from poor problem-solving skills later in life. Olatunde

(2010) opined that the process of learning depends not only on external factors but also of students'

personal characteristics that are naturally correlated with family characteristics but have an effect

on their own. Therefore, in order to analyze achievement, some students' personal characteristics

must be taken into account.

Also, on similar study done by Randy Tudy year 2014….

It was discovered that attitude towards Mathematics manifested significant influence to

academic performance. Students who have shown positive attitude towards the subject tend to

perform well. Hence, performance in Mathematics can be improved by developing a positive

attitude towards the subject.