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ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Article history:

Received XX Month 2024

Revised XX Month 2024

Accepted XX Month 2024

Online first

Published 1 September 2024

 Over the past few semesters, there has been a concerning upward trend in the failure rates of STA108. This pattern has raised questions about the teaching and learning environment, as well as the commitment of both lecturers and students. Despite numerous discussions among researchers, the factors contributing to this issue remain unclear. Three objectives which are (1) to investigate gender performance in MAT133 among students, (2) to determine the relationship between students’ achievement in MAT133 and Mathematics grades in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and (3) to examine the association between STA108 result status and MAT133. The respondents completed 329 online surveys using the purposive sampling approach. The questionnaire with two distinct parts which included the socio-demographic and other pertinent information required for analysing the respondents' profiles. The second component was the primary focus of the study. Spearman Rank, Mann Whitney and Chi Square test was conducted to analyse the data. The Mann-Whitney U test revealed no significant differences in MAT133 achievement between male and female students. It also indicates no significant correlation between students' achievements in MAT133 and their SPM Mathematics grades. The Chi-square test results indicated a significant association between STA108 results and MAT133 grades. Our research significantly contributes to the ongoing discussion regarding the relationship between secondary and tertiary mathematics education. It also sets the stage for further research into specific pedagogical approaches that could enhance the effectiveness of mathematics education at the tertiary level.

Keywords:

Performance

Mathematics

Correlation

Mann Whitney

Spearman Rank

Chi-Square

DOI:

10.24191/jcrinn.v9i2
# introdution Academic achievement refers to a student's success in meeting the established educational standards and objectives within their academic journey. This encompasses their performance in classroom activities, high scores on standardized tests, mastery of specific skills, personal growth, and overall development. Assessment of academic achievement involves evaluating how effectively students have acquired knowledge and skills with predefined academic standards, ensuring they are on track for future educational and career success. Nowadays, the assessment of students' achievement is one of the key factors to become excellent. Student achievement in mathematics can be influenced by various factors, including teaching methods, curriculum design, individual student’s characteristics, and the overall educational environment. Mathematics is an academic discipline that focuses on the characteristics, connections, and manipulations of numbers, quantities, forms, and patterns. It is an essential component of human understanding and is applied in several fields and daily activities. It is widely recognized that a solid foundation in mathematics is an essential requirement for admission to tertiary institutions across most academic disciplines (Rashid & Karim, 2021). Mathematics is a mandatory subject at both primary and secondary levels in Malaysia. At the tertiary level, universities offer various Mathematics courses tailored to specific fields of study. One such course, Statistics and Probability (STA108), is offered at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), particularly targeting students in the Faculty of Applied Sciences. This course entails an introduction to statistical data analysis. To excel in this course, students must possess a solid foundation in mathematics, particularly in Pre-Calculus (MAT133). In particular, there are prominent and in-depth conversations among lecturers and students about gender-related problems in arithmetic proficiency (Mokhtar et al., 2019). This requirement is essential due to the incorporation of applications to broader everyday problems in science and technology, aimed at providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and fostering their interest in the course. In today's data-driven world, the ability to understand and interpret quantitative information is crucial. Mathematics equips students with the skills to analyze data, make informed decisions, and evaluate the validity of arguments based on numerical evidence. Over the past few semesters, there has been a concerning upward trend in the failure rates of STA108. This pattern has raised questions about the teaching and learning environment, as well as the commitment of both lecturers and students. Despite numerous discussions among researchers, the factors contributing to this issue remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the underlying causes to enhance the overall academic performance in this course. By identifying and addressing these factors, this research seeks to contribute to the development of more effective teaching strategies and a supportive learning environment, ultimately improving student success rates in STA108 and similar courses. Thus, this study consists of three objectives which are (1) to investigate gender performance in MAT133 among students, (2) to determine the relationship between students’ achievement in MAT133 and Mathematics grades in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and (3) to examine the association between STA108 result status and MAT133 among students in UiTM Tapah. # LITERATURE REVIEW ## Gender and achievement in mathematics Gender disparities persist in mathematics achievement despite efforts for equity. Gender disparities have persisted in mathematics achievement, with males typically outperforming females, especially in standardized tests and advanced coursework (Hyde & Mertz, 2009); (Balart & Oosterveen, 2019); (Zhang & Peng, 2023). While some attributes give differences to biological factors like brain structure or cognitive abilities, research increasingly emphasizes the role of social and environmental factors. These factors encompass stereotypes, biases, peer influences, and unequal access to educational resources and opportunities (Spencer et al., 1999);(Rodríguez et al., 2020);(Dersch et al., 2022). Negative stereotypes about women's mathematical abilities can significantly impact their performance and confidence, perpetuating the gender gap in mathematics (Xie & Liu, 2023). One crucial factor contributing to gender disparities in mathematics achievement is stereotype threat, wherein individuals fear confirming negative stereotypes about their group. Studies have shown that stereotype threat undermines women's performance in mathematics, particularly when reminded of gender stereotypes related to math ability (Good et al., 2003) (Dersch et al., 2022). Consequently, efforts to address stereotype threats are essential for creating equitable learning environments where all students can thrive regardless of gender. Additionally, self-concept and beliefs about mathematical abilities play a significant role in shaping gender differences in mathematics achievement. Research indicates that girls often underestimate their mathematical abilities compared to boys, highlighting the importance of promoting positive self-perception to bolster girls' confidence and engagement in mathematics (Nosek et al., 2002) (Bertoletti et al., 2023)(Andersen & Smith, 2023). To prevent gender disparities in mathematics achievement, various interventions and strategies have been proposed. These include fostering a growth mindset, providing positive role models, and implementing interventions specifically designed to reduce stereotype threat in educational settings. By encouraging a growth mindset, students are taught to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than fixed indicators of ability. Positive role models, particularly female mathematicians and scientists can inspire girls and challenge traditional gender stereotypes about math and science fields. Moreover, interventions aimed at reducing stereotype threat, such as reframing task instructions to emphasize competence and belongingness, have shown promising results in improving female students' performance and confidence in mathematics (Lee et al., 2021)(Malespina et al., 2022)(Song, 2022). Efforts to increase female representation in STEM fields and promote gender equity in education resources are crucial for addressing gender disparities in mathematics achievement comprehensively (Diekman et al., 2016) (van Hoeve et al., 2023). By providing equal opportunities and resources to all students regardless of gender, educational institutions can create an inclusive environment where every student has the support and encouragement needed to excel in mathematics and other STEM disciplines. Furthermore, fostering collaboration between educators, policymakers, and researchers is essential for developing evidence-based interventions and policies that effectively address gender disparities in mathematics achievement and promote gender equity in education (Zilka et al., 2023). In conclusion, gender disparities in mathematics achievement persist despite ongoing efforts to promote gender equity in education. Social and environmental factors, including stereotypes, biases, and unequal access to resources, contribute significantly to these disparities. Addressing stereotype threat, promoting positive self-perception, and implementing interventions to reduce gender biases are essential steps toward creating equitable learning environments where all students, regardless of gender, can thrive in mathematics and other STEM disciplines. By working collaboratively to implement evidence-based interventions and policies, we can strive towards closing the gender gap in mathematics achievement and fostering gender equity in education. ## Mathematics grade in SPM and mathematics achievement at tertiary level Mathematics has a crucial role in academics and different businesses, performing as the foundation for scientific and industrial pursuits, with arithmetic and logic serving as fundamental principles. Therefore, to develop students' competence in mathematics subjects, calculations and problem-solving, which are crucial abilities for achieving success in advanced education and future professional endeavors. Nevertheless, educators have recently observed a surge in issues among students, including those who recently began college. This raise concerns over the readiness of students when they are entering higher education and invites an investigation into the potential influence of education systems that have varied levels of differentiation between schools. In (Michaelowa, 2007) and (Grassini, 2023), they suggest that education systems which enable significant variety among schools may exhibit distinct performance outcomes at the tertiary level in comparison to systems with less differentiation. Moreover, the high occurrence of underperforming students in mathematics classes, especially in Asian countries, is frequently linked to instructional approaches that rely heavily on memorization, as emphasized by (Yeh et al., 2019); (Zakariya, 2022); (Amirah et al., 2023). Furthermore, mathematics courses are essential not just in academics but also in several fields of study, especially those related to science and technology, as they are required prerequisites. (Shaari et al., 2023) and (Mian et al., 2022) highlights the enduring positive correlation between achieving higher education and experiencing reduced rates of unemployment. They emphasize the significant influence of mathematics education in defining career prospects. Saha et al., (2024) gives additional understanding of the elements that impact grades in underperforming mathematics courses. Their research identified SPM Additional Mathematics as a strong indicator of success in Pre-Calculus and other underperforming Mathematics courses, highlighting the crucial role of grasping fundamental ideas (Guo et al., 2020). It is proven that on SPM 2022 result analysis report between 2021 and 2022 in Malaysia. Figure X also shows the achievement trend statistical findings for Mathematics subjects in the SPM examination for the year 2022, as reported by Berita Harian in 2023. Based on the findings, the average performance trend shows a consistent decline over the years. Thus, it may be inferred that failure is a contributing factor that impacts students' academic performance when entering higher education. ![A graph of green and purple bars Description automatically generated](6641832b71e67_media/media/image1.png) Figure 1: SPM 2022 result analysis report (Source\* Relevan.com.my Jun 8, 2023) ![A screenshot of a graph Description automatically generated](6641832b71e67_media/media/image2.png) Figure 2: Statistics on mathematics SPM 2022 (Source: Berita Harian Jun 21,2023). Ultimately, the difficulties in mathematics education require a comprehensive strategy that tackles teaching techniques, curriculum development, and the wider educational framework. To ensure students' success in higher education and future jobs, it is imperative for educators and policymakers to prioritise the development of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, along with the understanding of fundamental mathematical principles. Education institutions may empower students to succeed in a complex and interconnected world by cultivating a profound comprehension of mathematics and offering sufficient assistance and resources. # METHODOLOGY ## The survey data ## The data acquired in this investigation was gathered using an online questionnaire that was disseminated over WhatsApp or Telegram. The respondents completed 329 online surveys using the purposive sampling approach. The questionnaire was divided into two distinct parts. The first component included the socio-demographic data of the user, along with other pertinent information required for analysing the respondents' profiles. The second component was the primary focus of the study. ## Spearman Rank ## Non-parametric methods can also be used to measure the collection of two variables, X and Y. Instead of using precise values of the variables, or when such precision is unavailable, the data may be ranked from 1 to N in order of size, importance, etc. If X and Y are ranked in such a manner, the coefficient of rank correlation, is given by \(r_{s} = 1 - \frac{6\sum_{}^{}D^{2}}{N(N^{2} - 1)}\) (1) **Where D denotes the differences between the ranks of corresponding values of X and Y, where N is the number of pairs of values (X, Y) in the data. Therefore, in this context of the study, the independent variable is the student's achievement in MAT133 and the dependent variable is SPM’s Mathematics Grade. The total number of respondents in this study is 329 students.** ## Mann Whitney Test Mann-Whitney U Test is a non-parametric test used to test whether two independent samples were selected from a population having the same distribution. Another name for the Mann-Whitney U Test is Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test. To conduct a Mann-Whitney U test, follow the standard five-step hypothesis testing procedure: - State the hypotheses > H0: The two populations, male and female, are equal. > > H1: The two populations, male and female, are not equal. - Determine a significance level to use for the hypothesis. - Find the test statistic. > The test statistic is denoted as U and is the smaller of U1 and U2, as defined below: \(\text{\ \ \ \ \ \ }U_{1}\ = \ n_{1}\text{n\ }_{2}\ + \ \frac{n_{1}\left( n_{1} + 1 \right)}{2}\ –\ R_{1}\) (2) \(\text{\ \ \ \ \ \ }U_{2}\ = \ n_{1}\text{n\ }_{2}\ + \ \frac{n_{2}\left( n_{2} + 1 \right)}{2}\ –\ R_{2}\) (3) > where n1 and n2 are the sample sizes for sample 1 and 2 respectively, and R1 and R2 are the sum of the ranks for sample 1 and 2 respectively. - Reject or fail to reject the null hypothesis. - Interpret the results. 1. ## Chi Square Test A measure of the discrepancy existing between the observed and expected frequencies is supplied by the statistic \(\chi^{2}\) given by \(\chi^{2} = \sum_{}^{}\frac{\left( o_{j} - e_{j} \right)^{2}}{e_{j}}\) (4) where \(\chi^{2}\) represents the chi-squared value, \(o_{j}\) represents the observed value, \(e_{j}\) represents the expected value and the symbol \(\sum\) represents the summation of values for all \(j\). A Chi-Square test of independence uses the following null (H0) and alternative hypotheses (H1): H0: There is an association between STA108 and MAT133. H1: There is no association between STA108 and MAT133. If the p-value that corresponds to the test statistic \(\chi^{2}\)with degrees of freedom is less than chosen significance level then reject the null hypothesis. # RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ## Profile of students **Table 1 displays the demographic profile of the students. There are a total of 329 students involved in this study. Majority of students are female, accounting for 84.2%, while the remaining 15.8% are male. 72.6% of the students are from the science stream, while the remaining 27.4% are not. Around half of them (56.5%) have an interest in mathematics, while 32.5% are unsure and the remaining 10.9% are not interested in mathematics. Most students excelled in Mat133, with a pass rate of 99.2%, while the rate of failure was a mere 0.9%. In total, most students (79.3%) achieved an A grade, followed by 13.4% who received a B grade, and the remaining 6.4% who scored a C.** Table 1. Demographic profile of students | | Category | Frequency | Percentage (%) | | ------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | --------- | -------------- | | Gender | Male | 52 | 15.8 | | | Female | 277 | 84.2 | | | | | | | Science stream | Yes | 239 | 72.6 | | | No | 90 | 27.4 | | | | | | | Interest in Mathematical Subject (Mathematics and Statistics) | Yes | 186 | 56.5 | | | No | 36 | 10.9 | | | Not sure | 107 | 32.5 | | | | | | | Final examination results for MAT133 | A+ | 14 | 4.3 | | | A | 83 | 25.2 | | | A- | 26 | 7.9 | | | B+ | 39 | 11.9 | | | B | 46 | 14 | | | B- | 36 | 10.9 | | | C+ | 39 | 11.9 | | | C | 43 | 13.1 | | | D | 2 | 0.6 | | | E | 1 | 0.3 | | | | | | | SPM’s Mathematics Grade | A+ | 11 | 3.3 | | | A | 236 | 71.7 | | | A- | 14 | 4.3 | | | B+ | 27 | 8.2 | | | B | 20 | 6.1 | | | C+ | 14 | 4.3 | | | C | 7 | 2.1 | ## Spearman Rank Correlation ## A Spearman's rank-order correlation was applied to determine the relationship between students’ achievement in MAT133 and SPM’s Mathematics grade. Table 3 shows that there is no correlation between MAT133 achievement and Mathematics SPM grade. This relationship is statistically not significant (rs = 0.059, p = 0.285). Thus, hypothesis 2 is rejected. Therefore, it is not true that there is a significant relationship between Math133 and Mathematics SPM grade among the university students. The finding contrasted with the study done by (Mokhtar et al., 2019). Table 3. Correlation analysis | | SPM’s Mathematics Grade | | | ------------------------------- | ----------------------- | ----- | | Student’s achievement in MAT133 | Correlation coefficient | 0.059 | | | p-value | 0.285 | | | N | 329 | ## Testing the difference in student’s achievement in MAT133 among gender (Mann Whitney) **The Mann-Whitney U test is a non-parametric statistical test used to determine whether there is a significant difference between two independent groups. In this case, the test was applied to assess whether there is a significant difference in MAT133 achievement between male and female students. Table 4 shows that the difference is not significant (MW-U = 7115.50, p-value = 0.404). It can be concluded that there is no significant difference between MAT133 of male and female students in UiTM.** Table 4. Independent analysis | | | | --------------- | ------- | | Test statistics | Score | | Mann Whitney U | 7115.50 | | Z | \-0.835 | | P-value | 0.404 | Gender vs MAT133 ## Chi Square test of independence ## Based on Table 5 test of independence, it can be concluded that there is an association between STA108 and MAT133 as indicated by their respective chi-square statistics and p-values. These results also suggest that both STA108 and MAT133 are not independent. Table 5. Test of independence | | | | | --------------- | ------- | ------- | | Test statistics | STA108 | MAT133 | | Chi square | 304.439 | 317.109 | | df | 1 | 1 | | p-value | 0.000 | 0.000 | # CONCLUSION This study aimed to explore the factors influencing academic performance in mathematics among tertiary-level students, focusing on gender differences and the predictive power of SPM Mathematics grades. Our findings indicate no significant correlation between students' achievements in MAT133 and their SPM Mathematics grades, suggesting that other variables might influence academic success at the tertiary level. Furthermore, the Mann-Whitney U test revealed no significant differences in MAT133 achievement between male and female students, highlighting the absence of gender disparities within this academic context. Interestingly, the Chi-square test results indicated a significant association between STA108 results and MAT133 grades, suggesting that performance in these courses is interconnected but not determinant of each other. This means that success in MAT133 does not guarantee a similar outcome in STA108. This finding underscores the complexity of academic achievements in related mathematical subjects and highlights the potential for targeted educational interventions to improve outcomes across multiple courses. Additionally, our research significantly contributes to the ongoing discussion regarding the relationship between secondary and tertiary mathematics education. By examining the links and the lack thereof between SPM Mathematics grades and tertiary academic performance, as well as the interdependencies of course outcomes within tertiary education, this study highlights the complex transition students undergo in mathematical understanding and application from high school to university. Understanding these dynamics can aid educational policymakers and curriculum developers in crafting strategies that are finely tuned to address the specific needs and challenges of tertiary-level students. Furthermore, these insights encourage the development of targeted support systems and learning interventions that can bridge the gaps identified in secondary education preparation. This study also sets the stage for further research into specific pedagogical approaches that could enhance the effectiveness of mathematics education at the tertiary level, potentially influencing curriculum reforms and teaching methodologies. # Acknowledgements/Funding (DOUBLE-BLIND reviewing. Leave the section as is. Only include Acknowledgements text in the final submission paper) # Conflict of interest statement (DOUBLE-BLIND reviewing. Leave the section as is. Only include CONFLICT OF INTERESTS text in the final submission paper) # # Authors’ contributions ***(Double Blind Review: Leave this section blank until final camera-ready submission)*:** # References Amirah, F., Shukri, A., & Fikriah, N. (2023). A Relationship Between Secondary And Tertiary Mathematics Grades : A Case Study For Foundation Students ( Hubungan Antara Gred Matematik Menengah Dan Tertiari : Satu Kajian Kes Untuk ... 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