Analysis of the Factors Causing Mathematics Anxiety in Junior High School Students with and without Learning Difficulties

Abstract

Math anxiety is a common condition experienced by students and can hinder student learning achievement. This study aims to describe what factors cause math anxiety in junior high school students with learning difficulties and without learning difficulties.  This research is a descriptive type of qualitative research. The research subjects consisted of 27 students of class VIII4 SMP Negeri 11 Lhokseumawe. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The research data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. Data analysis techniques used are data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that the causes of math anxiety in junior high school students with learning difficulties come from environmental factors such as a less conducive classroom atmosphere, negative comments from classmates, parents' expectations to get good grades. Internal factors causing math anxiety include not being able to complete tasks given by the teacher and lack of preparation when facing exams. The factors that cause math anxiety in students without learning difficulties are based on environmental factors such as: interference from friends, the teacher's weak ability to convey subject matter, and encouragement from parents so that their children get good grades, giving quizzes / questions suddenly. Internal factors such as the wrong learning style and not completing assignments. and intellectual factors such as difficulty in understanding and mastering learning material.