Home⇛Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal⇛vol. 33 no. 2 (2025)

Numeracy Skills and Attitude Towards Mathematics of Students in Relation to Performance: Basis for Intervention Program

Wendelyn Bautista | Quincy Dones

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

This study aimed to investigate the numeracy skills and attitudes towards mathematics of grade 7 students and their relationship to academic performance in mathematics. The study employed a correlational research design involving 210 Grade 7 students selected through a multistage random sampling technique. Data were collected using a numeracy skills test, an attitude towards mathematics questionnaire, and students' mathematics performance in SY 2023-2024. The results showed that most students had nearly proficient numeracy skills, a very favorable attitude towards mathematics, and a satisfactory mathematics performance. A significant positive correlation was found between numeracy skills and mathematics performance, but no significant relation was found between attitude toward mathematics and mathematics performance. Further analysis revealed that numeracy skills and attitude toward mathematics significantly predict performance. Based on these findings, an intervention program was developed to enhance the numeracy skills and improve the attitude towards mathematics of grade 7 students, ultimately improving their performance in the subject. The intervention program includes targeted instruction, hands-on activities, and strategies to foster a positive mindset toward mathematics.



References:

  1. Abalde, G. D.& Oco, R. M. (2023). Factors Associated with Mathematics Performance. Asian Research Journal of Mathematics.  Volume 19, Issue 6, Page 45-60, 2023; Article no. ARJOM.98317. ISSN: 2456-477X. DOI: 10.9734/ARJOM/2023/v19i6665. 
  2. Abbas, B., Mania, S., Raoda, W., Rasyid, M. R., & Tayeb, T. (2019). Effectiveness of Implementing the Reciprocal Teaching Learning  Model on Learning Motivation and Understanding of Mathematical Concepts. AULADUNA: Journal of Islamic Basic Education,6(1),  14-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24252/auladuna.v6i1a3.2019 
  3. Abuya, B. A., Mumah, J., Austrian, K., Mutisya, M., & Kabiru, C. (2018). Mothers’ Education and Girls’ Achievement in Kibera: The  link with Self-Efficacy. SAGE Open, 8(1), 215824401876560. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244018765608
  4. Alarcon, N. A., & Abanto, R. G. (2024). Correlates of Numeracy Skills of Grade 7 Students in Dominador Narido High School: Basis  for Intervention - IRE Journals. IRE Journals, 7(9), 48–66. https://www.irejournals.com/paper-details/1705561
  5. Amalina, I. K., & Vidákovich, T. (2023). Cognitive and socioeconomic factors that influence the mathematical problem-solving skills  of students. Heliyon, 9(9), e19539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19539
  6. Anokye-Poku, D., & Ampadu, E. (2020). Gender Differences in Attitudes and Achievement in Mathematics among Ghanaian JHS  Students. International Journal of Education, 12(3), 84. https://doi.org/10.5296/ije.v12i3.17136
  7. Aunio, Pirjo, Heiskari, P., Luit, V., & Vuorio, J.M. (2019). The development of early numeracy skills in kindergarten in low, average and high-performance groups. Journal of Early Childhood Research. DOI:10.1177/1476718X14538722. 
  8. Ayebo, Abraham & Dingel, Molly. (2021). Exploring the Relationship among Mathematics Attitude, Gender, and Achievement of  Undergraduate Health Science Students Mathematics Teaching Research Journal. 5 Vol 13, no 3. University of Minnesota. Rochester,  USA aayebo@r.umn.edu, dinge016@r.umn.edu. 
  9. Baghestini,A.R., Ahmadi, F., Tanha,A., & Meshkat,M.(2019). Bayesian critical values for Lawshe’s content validity ratio.  Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development. Routledge. Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1204489.
  10. Bakker M., Torbeyns J., Wijns N., Verschaffel L., De Smedt, B. (2019). Gender equality early numerical competencies with De Smedt,  B Developmental Science, 22 (2019), Article e1271810.1111/desc.12718
  11. Balala, M. M. A., Areepattamannil, S., & Cairns, D. (2021). Investigating the associations of early numeracy activities and skills with  mathematics dispositions, engagement, and achievement among fourth graders in the United Arab Emirates. Large-scale Assessments  in Education, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40536-021-00106-4
  12. Barbara Petersen, H. (2019). Developing Math Skills in Early Childhood. Issue Brief. Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.; Available  at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-020-00379-8.
  13. Bektaş, N.H. & Hunt, Tomas E. (2020). Parent-Child Mathematics Affect as Predictors of Children’s Mathematics Achievement.  International Online Journal of Primary Education. Volume 9, Issue 1, ISSN: 1300 – 915X www.iojpe.org.
  14. Bernardo ABI, Cordel MO 2nd, Lapinid MRC, Teves JMM, Yap SA, Chua UC. (2022) Contrasting Profiles of Low-Performing  Mathematics Students in Public and Private Schools in the Philippines: Insights from Machine Learning. J Intell. 2022 Aug 30;10(3):61.  doi: 10.3390/jintelligence10030061. PMID: 36135602; PMCID: PMC9504801.
  15. Cahya, R., Agustika, S., Suniasih, W. (2019). The Influence of Achievement Motivation on Mathematical Problem-Solving Ability.  Journal: Elementary School Science, 3(3), 263-268. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23887/jisd.v4i1.24273 
  16. Chen, L., Bae, S. R., Battista, C., Qin, S., Chen, T., Evans, T. M., & Menon, V. (2018). Positive attitude toward math supports early  academic success: Behavioral evidence and neurocognitive mechanisms. Psychological Science, 29(3), 390–402. Available  at:https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797617735528.
  17. Cherry, J. (2024). The Components of Attitude. Formation of an Attitude and How It Can Be Changed.  https://www.verywellmind.com/attitudes-how-they-form-change-shape-behavior-2795897
  18. Cheung, S. K., Dulay, K. M., & McBride, C. (2020). Parents’ characteristics, the home environment, and children’s numeracy skills:  How are they related in low- to middle-income families in the Philippines? Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 192. DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2019.104780 
  19. Cho, E. H., & Hwang, S. H. (2019). Exploring changes in multi-ethnic students' mathematics achievement motivation: A longitudinal  study using expectancy-value theory. The Mathematical Education, 58(1), 101-120. Available  at:https://doi.org/10.7468/mathedu.2019.58.1.101.
  20. Clerkin, A., & Gilligan, K. (2018). Pre-school numeracy play as a predictor of children's attitudes towards mathematics at age 10.  Journal of Early Childhood Research, 16(3),319-334. doi:10.1177/1476718X18762238
  21. Dakwar, A. (2022). Academic Performance in Mathematics of High School Students with Virtual Instruction vs. Face-to-Face  Instruction. Shawnee State University. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.shawnee.edu/math_etd
  22. Dangle, Y. P. & Sumaoang, J. D. (2020). The Implementation of Modular Distance Learning in the Philippine Secondary Public  Schools. Retrieved from https://www.dpublication.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/27-427.pdf
  23. Devi, A. & Reddi, S. (2023). A Study on Mathematical Attitude of Secondary School Students in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and  Visakhapatnam Districts. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT). An International Open Access, Peer-reviewed,  Refereed Journal. ISSN: 2320-2882.
  24. Dixson, D. D., Keltner, D., Worrell, F. C., & Mello, Z. (2018). The magic of hope: Hope mediates the relationship between  socioeconomic status and academic achievement. Journal of Educational Research, 111(4), 507–515.  https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.2017.1302915
  25. Dowker, A., Cheriton, O., Horton, R., & Mark, W. (2019). Relationships between attitudes and performance in young children’s  mathematics. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 100(3), 211–230. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-019-9880-5.
  26. Ecoff, J. (2023). What is the Meaning of Elementary Education? EduEdify. https://eduedify.com/what-is-the-meaning-of-elementary education/
  27. Elliott, L., & Bachman, H. J. (2018). SES disparities in early math abilities: The contributions of parents’ math cognitions, practices to  support math, and math talk. Developmental Review, 49, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2018.08.001 
  28. Ersan, O., Rodriguez, M.C. (2020). Socioeconomic status and beyond: a multilevel analysis of TIMSS mathematics achievement given  student and school context in Turkey. Large-scale Assess Education. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40536-020-00093-y.
  29. Garzia, M., Yufiarti, Y., & Hartati, S. (2019). Differences in Early Childhood School Readiness in Coastal Areas Judging from the  Economic Status of Parents and Parenting. Obsession Journal: Journal of Early Childhood Education, 3(2), 470-483. DOI:  https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v3i2.239 
  30. Gigante, N. D. (2020). Pressreader.com - Digital newspaper & magazine subscriptions. Sunstar Pampanga.  https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/sunstar/pampanga/20201016/281625307780356
  31. Green, J. L., Manski, S. E., Hansen, T. A., & Broatch, J. E. (2023). Descriptive statistics (R. J. Tierney, F. Rizvi, & K. Ercikan, Eds.).  ScienceDirect; Elsevier. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128186305100831Harris, B., & Petersen, D. (2019). Developing math skills in early childhood [PDF]. Mathematica. Retrieved from https://www.edimpactlab.com/download media?MediaItemId 
  32. Harris, B., & Petersen, D. (2019). Developing math skills in early childhood [PDF].Mathematica. Retrieved from  https://www.edimpactlab.com/download-media?MediaItemId=%7B3360C48F-576D-44A8-AB63-EA259BABC359%7D
  33. Hascoët, M., Giaconi, V., & Jamain, L. (2020). Family socioeconomic status and parental expectations affect mathematics achievement in a national sample of Chilean students. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 45(2), 122–132.  https://doi.org/10.1177/0165025420965731
  34. Hathella, H. V. R. G. and Priyanath, H. M. S. (2021) How Demographic Features and Attitudes of Student Affect the Mathematics Performance of Students. International Journal of Education, Teaching, and Social Science. e-ISSN: 2809-0489. Vol. 1, No. 1, (October  2021).
  35. Hebres, Ronalyn Belazon (2022). Academic Performance and Numeracy Level of Grade 10 Students in Mathematics. International  Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN: 2319-7064. SJIF (2022): 7.942. DOI: 10.21275/SR23123131547
  36. Hidayatullah, A., & Csíkos, C. (2023). The role of students’ beliefs, parents’ educational level, and the mediating role of attitude and  motivation in students’ mathematics achievement. the œAsia-Pacific Education Researcher. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-023- 00724-2
  37. Jailani, M. (2019). The Relationship between Parents' Socioeconomic Status and Children's Motivation for Entrepreneurship.  PEDAGOGIC: Journal of Education, 14(1), 35-42. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33084/pedagogik.v14i1.835 
  38. Karpudewan, M. & Huri, N.H.D., (2019). The Impact of Early Math and Numeracy Skills on Academic Achievement in Elementary  School. NWCommons: Northwestern College, Iowa
  39. Kiwanuka, H. N., Van Damme, J., Van Den Noortgate, W., & Reynolds, C. (2020). Temporal relationship between attitude toward  mathematics and mathematics achievement. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology,53(6), 1546– 1570. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739x.2020.1832268
  40. Kwing Cheung a, Katrina May Dulay b, Catherine McBride (2020). Parents’ characteristics, the home environment, and children’s numeracy skills: How are they related in low- to middle-income families in the Philippines? Journal of Experimental Child Psychology.  Volume 192, April 2020, 104780. Retrieved from:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002209651930195
  41. Lam Si-Man, Zhou Yisu. (2021) SES-Achievement Gaps in East Asia: Evidence from PISA 2003–2018. The Asia-Pacific Education  Researcher. 2021;22:1–20. doi: 10.1007/s40299-021-00620-7.
  42. Laranang, Jay Ar I. &. Bondoc, John Mark F (2020). Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied and Basic Subjects (2022), International  Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences, 5(5) Sep-Oct 2020 |Available online: https://ijels.com/ ISSN: 2456-7620  https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.55.11 1392
  43. Layug, G. D., Velario J., Capones J. (2021). Teachers’ Interventions in Improving Numeracy Skills of Grade 7 Students in Baguio City  National High School. Girlie D. Layug, Julie Pearl V. Velario and Josephine G. Capones. https://doi.org/10.33422/4th.icate.2021.08.74 
  44. Logaos, J. D. &delos Santos, M S. M., (2020). Level, and The Mediating Role of Attitude and Motivation in Students’ Mathematics  Achievement. Volume 33, pages 253–262, International Journal of Education Humanities and Social Science ISSN: 2582-0745. Cebu  Technological University, Cebu City, Philippines. Retrieved from http://ijehss.com/ Page 123
  45. Marks, Gary N. (2019). Family income effects on mathematics achievement: their relative magnitude and causal pathways. Oxford  Review of Education Vol. 4
  46. Mendez, D., Mendez, M., & Anguita, J. M. (2020). The effect of digital platforms in the motivation of future primary education teachers  towards mathematics. New Trends and Issues Proceedings on Humanities and Social Sciences, 7(3), 112–123.  https://doi.org/10.18844/prosoc.v7i3.5240
  47. Mohamed, A. N., & Razak, F. A. (2018). Effects of gender and school type on attitudes towards mathematics. Journal of Physics:  Conference Series, 1132(1), 12-38. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1132/1/012038
  48. Mullis, I. V. S., Martin, M. O., Foy, P., Kelly, D. L., & Fishbein, B. (2020). TIMSS 2019 international results in mathematics and  science. Paper presented at the TIMSS & PIRLS International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement.
  49. Nadeau, J. (2022). The ABC Model of Attitude: Overview and Examples. Study.com. https://study.com/learn/lesson/components attitude-overview-abc-model.html
  50. Newman, T. (2023, March 31). Sex and gender: What is the difference? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363
  51. Nguyen, H. B., Loughead, J., Lipner, E., Hantsoo, L., Kornfield, S. L., & Epperson, C. N. (2018). What has sex got to do with it? The  role of hormones in the transgender brain. Neuropsychopharmacology, 44(1), 22–37. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-018-0140-7
  52. OECD (2019), PISA 2018 Results (Volume I): What students know and can do? PISA, OECD Publishing, Paris,  https://doi.org/10.1787/5f07c754-en.
  53. PISA 2018 Assessment and Analytical Framework. (2019). In Programme for international student assessment.  https://doi.org/10.1787/b25efab8-en
  54. Quinn, J. (2022, August 26). What is mathematics. Communication, Community, MAA Leaders.  https://www.mathvalues.org/masterblog/what-is-mathematics
  55. Rauno, K. & Harri P. (2022). Meaningful Learning in Mathematics: A Research Synthesis of teaching Approaches. International  Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 17(2), em0679. https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/11715
  56. Recber, S. (2018), “Investigating self-efficacy, anxiety, attitudes and mathematics achievement regarding gender and school type,”  anales de psicología, 2018, vol. 34, nº 1 (January), 41-51 http://dx.doi.org/10.6018/analesps.34.1.229571Scott, M. P. (2024, May 29).  Household Income: What it is and how to Calculate it. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/household_income.asp
  57. Rubinsten, O., Marciano, H., Eidlin Levy, H., & Daches Cohen, L. (2018). A framework for studying the heterogeneity of risk factors  in math anxiety. Front. Behav. Neurosci., 12, 291.
  58. Saygin, P. O. (2020). Gender bias in standardized tests: Evidence from a centralized college admissions system. Empirical Economics,  59(2), 1037–1065. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00181-019-01662-z
  59. Schmitz, S. (2022). Every Student Can Learn, Just not on the Same Day: https://ejlt.org/index.php/ejlt/article/view/884Sevilla, Joenes  (2024) School innovation on Improving Numeracy level of Students in New Albay National High School.  DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.17045.13285
  60. Scott, M. (2019). Household Income Definition. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/household_income.asp
  61. Shah, Nazir Haider & Nadia Nazir (2023). Effect of Students Attitude Towards Mathematics on their Mathematical Achievement at Secondary School Level. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET) 18(12). DOI:10.3991/ijet.v18i12.38765.
  62. Sevilla, J. M. (2024). School innovation on Improving Numeracy level of Students in New Albay National High School.  https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.17045.13285Strickland, J., Woods, K., & Pavlovic, M. (2020). Assessing and Understanding Early  Numeracy for Students with Additional Learning Needs. In Springer eBooks (pp. 115–130). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56596- 1_9
  63. Subia, Gener et.al (2018). Attitude and Performance in Mathematics I of Bachelor of Elementary Education Students: A Correlational  Analysis. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering Technology and Sciences. Volume 39, No 1, pp 206-213. Retrieved  from http://asrjetsjournal.org/.
  64. Sunghwan Hwang & Taekwon Son. (2021). Students’ Attitude toward Mathematics and its Relationship with Mathematics  Achievement. Journal of Education and e-Learning Research. Vol. 8, No. 3, 272-280, 2021. ISSN(E) 2410-9991 / ISSN(P) 2518-0169.  DOI: 10.20448/journal.509.2021.83.272.280.
  65. Susperreguy, M. I., Di Lonardo Burr, S., Xu, C., Douglas, H., & LeFevre, J. (2020). Children’s Home Numeracy Environment Predicts  Growth of their Early Mathematical Skills in Kindergarten. Child Development, 91(5), 1663–1680. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13353 
  66. Taber,K.S. (2018). The Use of Cronbach’s Alpha When Developing and Reporting Research Instruments in Science Education. Res  Sci Educ 48, 1273-1296. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-016-9602-2
  67. Tanghal, Jerwin S. & Tanghal, Analiza B. (2022). Numeracy Level of Elementary Students: Factors and Effects. Sto. Niño Elementary  School, Deped Cabanatuan, Philippines Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Philippines. 2(5), 01-11 ISSN- 2583-052X  RESEARCH PAPER www.visnav.in/ijabs/ 
  68. TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center at Boston College. (n.d.). TIMSS 2019 International Results in Mathematics and Science.  https://timssandpirls.bc.edu/timss2019/
  69. Tout, D., Sakurai, J., & Sawatzki, C. (2021, September 29). Supporting critical numeracy and maths skills in teaching and learning.  Teacher Magazine. https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/supporting-critical-numeracy-and-maths-skills-in-teaching-and learning
  70. Uchida, A., & Mori, K. (2018). Detection and treatment of fake math-dislikes among Japanese junior high school students. International  Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 16(6), 1115-1126. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-017-9825-3.
  71. Valentin, R. R., & Hadi, N. U. (2018). Analysis of Academic Self-Efficacy and Parenting Patterns on Students' Learning Independence  in Economics Subjects Class Journal of Economic Education: Scientific Journal of Education, Economics and Social Sciences, 12(1),  142-154. DOI: https://doi.org/10.19184/jpe.v12i1.7749 
  72. Van Tetering, M. a. J., De Groot, R. H. M., & Jolles, J. (2018). Teacher-Evaluated Self-Regulation is related to school achievement  and influenced by parental education in schoolchildren aged 7–12: a Case–Control study. Frontiers in Psychology, 9.  https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00438
  73. Yulianto, D. E. (2020). The influence of parents' economic conditions on learning motivation in elementary school students. Al-Aulad:  Journal of Islamic Primary Education, 3(1), 46-55. DOI: http://journal.uinsgd.ac.id/index.php/al-aulad

Tools


Copyright © 2026  KITE Digital Educational Solutions |  Exclusively distributed by CE-Logic