Factors influencing students’ interest in mathematics: A systematic literature review

Samuel Kwaku Boadu; Francis Ohene Boateng; Benjamin Adu Obeng

doi:10.32674/cwdfam22

Authors

Samuel Kwaku Boadu University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8024-4448
Prof. Francis Ohene Boateng University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0197-7385
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Adu Obeng University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8150-2613

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/cwdfam22

Keywords:

curriculum, mathematics, psychological, student interest, teacher

Abstract

Students’ interest in mathematics is a key predictor of academic success. The guiding research question is: “What factors influence students’ interest in mathematics?” A comprehensive search of Google Scholar, ERIC, Scopus, and ProQuest identified 101 records, of which 41 empirical studies met the inclusion criteria following PRISMA guidelines. Findings show that students’ interest is influenced by interacting psychological, teacher-related, curriculum-related, internal, and external factors. Psychological factors such as self-efficacy and mathematics anxiety play a significant role, while teacher factors such as feedback and teacher-student relationships strongly influence interest. Curriculum relevance and instructional materials also enhance interest. Internal factors (such as personal goals and self-confidence) and external factors (such as parental support and peer influence) both influence students’ interest. The study provides a holistic understanding of determinants of interest in mathematics and offers implications for improving teaching, curriculum design, and student engagement in both K–12 and higher education contexts.

Author Biographies

Samuel Kwaku Boadu, University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development

SAMUEL KWAKU BOADU is a Mathematics Educator, Researcher, Reviewer, and a final-year Ph.D. candidate in Mathematics Education at the Department of Mathematics Education, University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED), Kumasi, Ghana. He holds an MPhil and a BSc in Mathematics Education. His research focuses on mathematics education, educational psychology, educational assessment, and mathematical modeling. He also teaches at Kumasi Senior High/Technical School and has published extensively in reputable international journals. He serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for several scholarly journals in education. Email: boadukwakusamuel@gmail.com
Prof. Francis Ohene Boateng, University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development

PROF. FRANCIS OHENE BOATENG is an Associate Professor and Dean of Student Affairs at University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED), Kumasi, Ghana. He holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, M.Sc. in Mathematics, and B.Sc. in Mathematics. His research interests include computational mathematics, mathematical modelling, ICT integration in mathematics education, and robotics. He has over 15 years of teaching experience and has supervised numerous postgraduate and undergraduate research projects. Email: foboateng@aamusted.edu.gh
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Adu Obeng, University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development

REV. DR. BENJAMIN ADU OBENG is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics Education at University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED), Kumasi, Ghana. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education, MPhil in Applied Mathematics, and B.Ed. in Mathematics. His research interests include mathematics education, mathematical modelling, and the application of differential equations in epidemiological systems. He has extensive teaching and supervisory experience and has contributed to research bridging mathematics theory and real-world applications. Email: baduobeng@aamusted.edu.gh

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Factors influencing students’ interest in mathematics

A systematic literature review

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