MATHEMATICS PROFICIENCY AS A PREDICTOR OF STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PHYSICS IN PORT HARCOURT LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study investigated Mathematics proficiency as a predictor of students’ 
academic performance in Physics in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of 
Rivers State. The study was guided by two research questions and two 
hypotheses. Ex-post facto design was adopted for the study. Population of the 
study comprised of 5,090 Senior Secondary School Students in the 17 
Government Secondary Schools in Port Harcourt Local Government of Rivers 
State. By simple random sampling, five (5) public educational schools located 
strategically in area of study were chosen for the study. A random sample of 30 
students scores in Mathematics alongside Physics of SS III WAEC 2022/2023 
academic session were selected from each of the five schools making a total 
sample size of 150 students. The instrument was a standardized examination 
provided by WAEC. The validity and reliability of the instrument were also 
supported by the standardized testing procedure. Mean, standard deviation and 
Pearson correlation were used to answer the research questions while the 
hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using regression analysis. 
Result after analysis revealed that there is a significant relationship between 
Mathematics proficiency and students' accademic performance in Physics; 
Mathematics proficiency significantly and positively predicts students' 
accademic performance in Physics. The study concluded that mathematics 
proficiency is a major predictor of students’ academic performance in physics. 
That is students who are good in carrying out logical mathematical reasoning will 
also be successful in Physics. Recommendations were made among others that 
Science students should put in significant effort to develop strong skills in areas 
that require abstract logical thinking and numerical calculations, as this can boost 
their overall academic performance. Schools focused on improving student 
performance in Physics and similar science subjects should prioritize enhancing 
the teaching and learning of mathematics.