Factors Associated with Muslim High School Students’ Mathematics Performance in Three Selected Regions in Mindanao: Basis for Intervention Omensalam P. Guro, Ph.D. Johaira P. Guro, CAR Mindanao State University Marawi City, Philippines

Abstract

Abstract. This study was conducted to find out the factors associated with Muslim High school students’ Mathematics performance (SY 2008-2009) in three selected regions (Public National High Schools) in Mindanao. Combined quantitative – qualitative research method was used in this study. Research instruments for qualitative data were: classroom observations, informal and formal interviews, questionnaires for high school Mathematics teachers and students. Mathematical Attitude Inventory for students and Attitude Inventory scale for teachers were used for quantitative data. Results revealed that, ZCNHS Muslim Students’ GPAs and their teachers qualifications is significant but indicates weak relationship. CCNHS Muslim students GPAs and their teachers’ qualifications are likewise weak and insignificant. MCNHS Muslim students’ GPAs and their teachers’ qualifications is significant and positive (r=.579). Generally, Mathematics Teachers’ Qualifications and Muslim Students GPAs appears to be weak (r=.238) but significant at .000 level. In the case of student’s GPAs and their Mathematical Attitude Inventory scores found to have low and insignificant for ZCNHS, CCNHS, and MCNHS respectively. Therefore, Muslim Students’ Mathematical Inventory Scale scores and Muslim Students’ GPAs in general among the three City public National high schools in Mindanao is very negligible (low) and insignificant (r=.079), at 5% level. However, there are significant differences among the three public national high Schools in Mindanao in terms of physical facilities, buildings, classrooms, library and math books, equipment, class size, population size, number and size of classrooms, audiovisual aids, instructional facilities, computers, size of playground. It can be concluded that cultural orientation and high school context factors probably help explain positive but low math performance among selected respondents such as maratabat, fidelity to Islam, motivation to succeed, school and home environment, close kinship, peer influence, as well as availability of instructional facilities.

 

Keywords: Math performance; attitude inventory; school facilities