Authors : Li Ling Jong, Chin Ying Liew, Chee Khium Chen and Rumaizah Che Mohd Nor
Abstract: Both attitude and happiness of learners are generally accepted as contributing factors towards the achievement in Mathematics. However, studies explicating the relationship between the two towards a specific course and the corresponding achievement of the student are lacking. This study intends to fill this gap by studying the attitude of the students towards calculus and to determine the differences in attitudes scores in respect of gender between achievement below 50% and at least 50% and with among three categories of happiness level. The results obtained reveal that the “value” scale is perceived as the most important follows by enjoyment, motivation and self-confidence by the students. Interestingly, female students observed better in terms of value, enjoyment and motivation scales. It is also noticed that students who scored at least 50% in their calculus are apparently those with a better attitude. Furthermore, all level of happiness are found statistically significant across the four scales of attitudes, showing that happy students have a relatively higher value, enjoy more, greater motivation and more confidence towards calculus. Consequently, this study suggests that attitude and happiness of learners are two imperative intertwining factors that play a significant role for learners to perform in Mathematics generally and calculus specifically.
Li Ling Jong, Chin Ying Liew, Chee Khium Chen and Rumaizah Che Mohd Nor, 2019. Academic Performance and Happiness Differences in Attitudes Toward Calculus. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 14: 6175-6180.