Factors of statistics anxiety among secondary students in Pasir Gudang, Johor via photovoice approach

Abstract

Statistics in secondary school education is very important before reaching to a tertiary level. Many studies emphasise on level, gender differences and factor of statistics anxiety on tertiary level, but no intention to discover among secondary level students. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors of statistics anxiety based on behaviour and speech of teachers and students through the perspective of students in helping educators who teach mathematics and statistics to improve their teaching quality. Learning statistics plays an important role in tertiary level. Studies found difficulty among students in learning statistics since secondary level. A study using Photovoice approach was conducted on 10 students in a secondary school in Pasir Gudang district, Johor. 10 out of 125 form four students were selected from questionnaire data who scored the most anxious in statistics. Validation by an expert from the university was obtained to determine the validity and reliability of the instrument used for the structured interview question. This study was conducted by using a qualitative method. Questionnaire data were analysed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24.0 software in order to select respondents with high levels of anxiety in statistics. Participants selected for the Photovoice were screened and required to take photographs during the teaching and learning sessions. The selected students were given a week training on the use of cameras in Photovoice. After the process of taking pictures, interviews are conducted using the pictures taken. Interview information was analysed using Nvivo 12 Plus. The findings of the study from the analysis of NVivo 12 Plus revealed that factors on statistical anxiety are influenced by teachers and peers through behaviour and speech. Overall, negative effects were shown in terms of cognitive, emotional and physical aspects after being exposed to Photovoice approach. Therefore, teachers need to surge efforts in strengthening teaching techniques in the classroom, especially statistical topics so that students interest can be nurtured. Next, teachers and peers were able to help in reducing the level of anxiety in statistics at the school level and to the highest level.