INTEREST IN MATHEMATICS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS IN A PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION

This study assessed the relationship between math interest and academic performance of the first-year pre-service teachers enrolled in the Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics at Talisay City College, Cebu, Philippines, for the school year 2022-2023 using a descriptive-correlational design. The respondents were identified using simple random sampling. They were asked to answer the questionnaire assessing their math interest, while their performance in math was assessed using their grades in History of Mathematics (MM1) and Fundamentals of Mathematics (Math 1). The research tool was validated using content and face validity. The data gathered were treated using frequency count, percentage, weighted mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient. The results revealed that the respondents had a high interest in math. Moreover, they exhibited good performance in MM1 and Math 1. However, no significant relationship was found between math interest and the respondents' MM1 and Math 1 performance. Thus, it is recommended that instructors utilize strategies that enhance students’ interest in math and provide math-related activities that could improve students’ engagement and performance.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0445/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>