Factors Affecting the Interest and Attitude of Pupils towards Learning Mathematics in Selected Schools of Eastern Province, Zambia

The National Numeracy framework document (2015) highlighted the consistent poor performance in mathematics. The document cited the National Assessment surveys results, noting that the trend of poor performance by learners at all levels of our educational system has remained the same. The National numeracy framework documented and itemised a number of challenges that could be contributing to poor performance by pupils in schools among them attitude of learners towards mathematics. This study sought to assess the nature and factors affecting interest and attitudes of pupils towards learning mathematics. The research used a survey design with a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods when collecting data from 120 Grades 10, 11 and 12 pupils and 16 teachers teaching mathematics. A questionnaire for pupils and the other for teachers were administered. The questionnaires contained closed and ended questions. A focus group discussion for teachers and pupils was also conducted to consolidate the data. Data collected from the first two parts of pupils’ questionnaire and the first part of teachers’ questionnaire (with closed questions) was analysed quantitatively. The last parts of the questionnaire containing open ended questions and focus group discussion were analysed qualitatively by categorizing, describing and explaining, while the mean; bar charts, standard deviation, percentages and frequency distribution were also used to illustrate the analysed data. According to the research findings the nature of interest and attitude of high school pupils showed that pupils had interest and had positive attitude towards learning mathematics. The research also showed that pupils lost interest and developed negative attitude, mainly due to the teachers apart from other factors. The study recommended that teachers approach to teaching and learning and the way they interact with learners should be reviewed; concepts which can be applied in real life situation to arouse interest and influence positively pupils’ attitudes in the subject should be encouraged.