Abstract:

This research examined the Influence of Mathematics Anxiety and Computer Self–Efficacy on Students’ Readiness for Utilization of Computers for Learning Algebra in Abuja, Nigeria. The research design used was the mixed method – questionnaire and focus group discussion – with the senior secondary schools of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria as the population for the study. A total of 395 students across 6 secondary schools in the 6 area councils of the Federal Capital Territory formed the sample for the study. The cluster sampling technique was used to get the sample from the schools in the FCT. The instruments used for data collection were the questionnaires and focus group discussion (FGD). Cronbach Alpha was used to analyse the reliability of the items and a reliability coefficient of 0.78 was obtained to show that the instrument was reliable. The data were analysed using mean and standard deviation and analysis of variance to establish the findings of the study which shows that there is mathematics anxiety among the senior secondary school student in the FCT that could influence their readiness to use computers in learning algebra in mathematics even when their readiness is a function of their computer self - efficacy. It was recommended among others that mathematics teachers should improve their methodology and equip themselves with modern technology to ease the anxiety associated with all mathematics-related subjects/topics. Mathematics teachers at the basic level should ensure that students are adequately prepared with the required mathematical background to avoid much anxiety at the higher levels.

Keywords:

Mathematics, Anxiety, Computer, Self-efficacy, Readiness.