The Influence of Students’ Perceptions on Business Mathematics Performance at the College of Business Education in Mwanza, Tanzania, 2020.

Abstract

This study focuses on addressing the factors that influence Higher learning students’ perceptions of mathematics performance focusing on the College of Business Education Mwanza campus. The six constructs were tested which were interest in mathematics, confidence in mathematics, weakness and strength in Mathematics, family background and support, motivation towards mathematics and myths and beliefs about mathematics. Quantitative methods were fully employed to analyse the data collected from a 30-item self-administered questionnaire with six constructs of perceptions on mathematics performance was randomly administered to students (n= 180). The study applied statistical analysis techniques such as correlation analysis to assess the influence of perception in mathematics performance at CBE-Mwanza. The findings revealed that gender does not influence students’ performance and correlation analysis revealed that all the six constructs of perceptions positively influenced students’ performance in mathematics. Further, the study recommends that tutors should play a vital role in setting the right perceptions to improve students’ performance in Mathematics. Likewise, students should not be discouraged by their negative experiences in mathematics. Last but not least, students should shy away from all myths and beliefs as they may hinder their success in mathematics.