LEVELS OF THE MATHEMATICS WORRY OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Dr. Fulya Yüksel - Şahin
İstanbul University

Abstract

This research paper investigated whether mathematics worry levels of high school students and university students showed any significant differences according to some personal variables. Participants were 237 high school students and 244 university students, totally 481 students. For collecting the data, “Worry Sub-Scale” in “Mathematics Attitude Scale” and Personal Information Form” were used. The data collected were analyzed by employing t-testing in independent groups, Kruskall-Wallis Test and Games-Howell Test. The results of the research indicated a significant difference among mathematics worry levels of 237 high school students according to the criteria of perceived parents’ attitude, mathematics achievement and gender. On the other hand, the research has found no evidence supporting the belief that gender factor is important in the success of students in mathematics courses. The results of the research indicated a significant difference between mathematics worry levels of 244 university students according to the criteria of perceived parents’ attitude and mathematics achievement. On the other hand, the research has found no evidence supporting the belief that gender factor is important in the success of students in mathematics courses and that mathematics worry levels of university students are significantly different considering gender differences.

Keywords
Mathematics worry, mathematics anxiety.