Sociocultural Dynamics and Students’ Engagement in Studying Mathematics in Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District

Abstract

This study determined the influence of sociocultural dynamics on students’ engagement in studying mathematics in Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study employed a survey research design. A sample size of 525 respondents representing senior secondary II students were selected using multi-stage and random sampling technique during 2024/2025 academic session were used. The instruments used in gathering data for the study was a researcher-made instrument namely: “Perceptions on Sociocultural Dynamics and Students’ Engagement in Studying Mathematics Questionnaire (PSDSESMQ)”. The instruments had a face validation and Cronbach Alpha formula was used to determine the internal consistency reliability where the average reliability coefficient stood at 0.81.  The data collected was analysed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions and the independent t-value to test the null hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that parental involvement, language background, teachers’ classroom interactions, and the classroom environment positively influences students' engagement in studying mathematics. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that concluded that sociocultural dynamics significantly influence students' engagement in studying mathematics among secondary school students in Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District. And that when teachers adopt facilitative, supportive environment, active parenting, clear language, interactive, and student-centered teaching methods, students are more likely to develop interest, confidence, and persistence in mathematics. It was recommended that schools and teachers should promote parental involvement by encouraging parents to take an active role in their children’s mathematics education through home support, monitoring, and participation in school activities amongst others.