Critical analysis of impact of mathematics anxiety on academic achievement of secondary school students

Abstract

Mathematics anxiety, a psychological condition characterized by feelings of tension and apprehension that interfere with math performance, has become a significant concern in educational psychology. This study investigates the impact of mathematics anxiety on the academic achievement of secondary school students. Using a mixedmethods approach, we surveyed 300 students from various secondary schools to assess their levels of mathematics anxiety and academic performance. Quantitative data were collected through standardized anxiety questionnaires and academic records, while qualitative insights were gathered through interviews and focus groups. The findings
reveal a strong negative correlation between mathematics anxiety and academic achievement, indicating that higher levels of anxiety are associated with lower performance in mathematic