Developing a positive self-concept is one of the most fundamental goal of success in life. This usually has to begin starting from early childhood to school years. This study therefore, investigated the relationship between self-concept and attitude towards solving algebraic problems among secondary school students in Sokoto state, Nigeria. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. The study employed descriptive survey design. A sample of 377 senior secondary two (SSII) students was drawn from the population through proportionate random sampling technique. Two instruments were used in the study: self-concept scale (SCS) and Attitude towards Solving Algebraic Problem Scale (ASAPS). The instrument was content validated by Subject Matter Experts (SME). The reliability coefficients of SCS and ASPS were 0.77 and 0.79 respectively determined through Cronbach alpha technique for internal consistency. The findings of the study revealed that there was a significant relationship between students’ self-concept and their attitude towards solving algebraic problems. Findings also showed that there was no significant difference in male and female students’ attitude towards solving algebraic problems. It was therefore, suggested among others that teachers should give adequate and sufficient attention to developing positive self-concept in students.
Keywords: Algebra, Problem Solving, Secondary School, Self-Concept, Students
