Factors Affecting Mathematics Achievement in Central Asian Specialized Universities

Abstract

This study examines variables explaining student's academic performances in mathematics from the specialized engineering institutions. A survey consisting of 42 items was conducted from 127 students and statistical multiple regression was carried out to analyze the data set. Based on Fennema-Sherman Mathematic Attitude Scales followed by the result of stepwise linear regression, found a significant impact of high school geometry grades in the mathematics performance. Authors suggest that mathematics instructors in higher education should pay attention to improve their student's confidence, which in turn would decrease the anxiety level towards mathematics. The high school teachers should not advise their students to go to technical sciences in higher education unless the student's confidence and high school math grade are sufficiently high.