Learning of mathematics as an anathema to secondary school students

Mathematics is the basis for everything and the physical world can be understood through Mathematics. According to National Curriculum Framework 2005, access to quality Mathematics education is the right of every child. Contrary to the present scenario of the learning Mathematics is entirely different. In our country Mathematics is considered as a hard nut to crackle as far as a secondary school student is considered. Many students hate mathematics and failed miserably in the subject. This paper attempts to find out the reasons for secondary school students abhorrence to Mathematics discipline. Attempts are made to identify the major problems faced by secondary school students in learning mathematics and through this paper it is tested that whether there is any significant difference in the problems faced by students based on the type of management of school, as well as gender. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire, consisting of 20 problem areas on a sample of 250 students from 4 secondary schools of Kozhikode and Malappuram districts of the state of Kerala, India. Estimation of percentage and test of significance of difference in percentages were calculated. The serious issues pointed out by students are; Lack of basic knowledge in Mathematics, Negative attitude towards the subject due to the faulty advice given by the elders, Improper functioning of Mathematics club and Speedy completion of topics due to loss of academic days.