Exploring the correlation between students' attitudes and academic achievement in Mathematics and Physics: A study of senior secondary school students in Gombe and Bauchi States, Nigeria

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Abstract This study investigated the correlation between students’ attitudes and academic achievement in Mathematics and Physics among senior secondary school students in Gombe and Bauchi States, Nigeria. Four research objectives, research questions, and corresponding null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A correlational research design was adopted for the study. The sample comprised 364 students selected from ten public senior secondary schools, five from each state, using multistage sampling procedures. Data were collected using the Secondary School II Mathematics Performance Test (SSII MPT), Secondary School II Physics Performance Test (SSII PPT), and Students’ Attitude Questionnaire towards Mathematics and Physics. The instruments were validated by experts in Mathematics Education, Physics Education, and Measurement and Evaluation who assessed the items for clarity, relevance, and alignment with the study objectives. Reliability analysis was conducted to determine the internal consistency of the instruments before their administration. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank-order correlation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between students’ attitudes toward Mathematics and Physics. The study also found a significant positive correlation between students’ academic performance in Mathematics and Physics. In addition to that, significant positive correlations existed between students’ attitudes and their academic achievement in Mathematics and Physics. The findings indicate that students’ attitudes represent an important factor associated with achievement outcomes in both subjects. The study recommends that Mathematics and Physics teachers should adopt learner-centred instructional strategies, practical demonstrations, and real-life applications to strengthen students’ positive attitudes and improve academic performance in both subjects. Keywords: Students’ Attitudes, Mathematics, Physics, Academic Achievement, Correlation, Senior Secondary Schools

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