Assessing the Relationship Between Students Self Concept and Academic Achievement in Mahematics in Secondary Schools in Anambra State

Abstract

The study assessed the relationship between students' self concept and their academic achievement in mathematics. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a correlational research design. The population consisted of all the SS2 students in Ayamelum local government area of Anambra state. Two hundred and sixty (260) SS2 students (male 120 and female 140) were drawn from ten secondary schools in the area using simple random sampling technique. Mathematics Self Concept Questionnaire (MSCQ) and Mathematics Achievement Tests (MAT) were used for data
collection. These instruments were validated and their reliabilities established. On the spot distribution and collection were adopted in data collection. Instruments used for data analysis were Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient for answering the research questions, while t-test statistics for correlation was used for testing the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significant. The findings revealed a high relationship between students self concept and achievement in mathematics. Again gender has no relationship with students self concept and achievement in mathematics. Recommendations made among others include that, teachers should help build students self concept by encouraging and supporting their little efforts in mathematics