Factors influencing students' high performance in mathematics

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify and understand factors influencing the high performance of students in mathematics. The research questions guiding this study were to find the factors which contribute to better performance in mathematics and to examine the role of parents and teachers for student's high performance in mathematics. This study sought to understand the factors that shaped the participants’ decision to persist and succeed in mathematics. This study employed interpretive case study methodology in which interview data from six high-achieving students from public schools were collected, transcribed and analyzed. To draw the conclusion from the case study a comparison was made with the six average performing students collecting date and analyzing them by applying same methods and procedures. The study employed elements mainly from family and school environment for analysis. High achieving and average achieving students were determined on the basis of mathematics score of final exam of immediately previous class. Findings indicate that parent's educational level, satisfaction of the student with teacher's teaching style and active participation in classroom learning have excellent effect on student's high performance in mathematics. Further, parent's guidance & counseling, parent's financial condition and regular attendance in classroom have moderate effect on performance of students in mathematics. And, motivation from parents, parent's expectation, teacher's expectation and motivation in school also contribute in student's high performance in mathematics but not in great scale.