Parental And Peer Group Influences Towards Mathematics

            According to Poffeenberger and Norton (1959), parents affect on child’s attitude and performance can be in 3 ways; Parental encouragement will have a positive impact towards students’ mathematics interest thus relieving their anxieties towards that subject. Parent’s own attitudes and trust in encouraging and motivating their child towards mathematics does significantly improve their attitude towards the subject generally. Parental expectations of child’s achievement may put a lot of pressure on them to do well in mathematics. High expectations towards mathematics from parents will develop the students’ interest and confidence in the subject. However, too high of an expectation will create anxiety and avoidance toward the subject. Peer group can play an important role in either reinforcing or removing their negative attitude and behaviour towards mathematics. These two factors have great impact on students’ performance and also math anxiety that should not be taken lightly.

            Kenschaft (1991) reported that parent’s support or lack of support is an important in students’ attitude and participation in mathematics instruction. Dossey (1992) considered teachers important role in shaping attitudes towards mathematics. While Harris (1995), concluded that peer affiliations become increasingly more influential on shaping attitudes than parents and teachers.