The study investigated attitudes towards computer and computer anxiety as determinants of computer self-efficacy among 2100 pre-service science, technology and mathematics (STM) teachers from the University of Lagos of Nigeria using the quantitative research method within the blueprint of the descriptive survey design. Data collected were analysed using the descriptive statistics of percentages, mean, and standard deviation and inferential statistics of independent samples t-test, Pearson product moment correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Finding revealed significant correlations between computer attitudes, computer anxiety and computer self-efficacy. Gender differences in attitude toward computer, computer self-efficacy and computer anxiety among pre-service STM teachers were significant. Affective component, perceived control component, and perceived usefulness component, behavioural intention component, gender, and computer anxiety made statistically significant contributions to the variance in pre-service STM teachers’ computer self-efficacy. The study recommended among others that academic institutions should pay more attention to this computer anxiety and adopt proper ways of reducing the computer anxiety, so that positive e-learning experiences can be created for pre-service STM teachers.

The mathematics performance of graduating preservice teachers over a period of 3 years was examined for gender differences. Data were drawn from students' (170 men and 202 women) final year results from a College of Education in Nigeria. Findings revealed that the gender gap in mathematics achievement among the sample data could be disappearing. This is a source of hope for the country because results such as those reported here are contrary to the general Nigerian stereotypical belief about men's and women's performance in the subject. Although it is difficult to generalise to other geographical areas, it is anticipated that the study would be replicated in the rest of the country for a more meaningful and informative national picture.

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This study investigated the influence of Gender, need-achievement and assertiveness on conceptions about math among senior secondary school students in Ijebu-Ode Local government area of Ogun state. Using an ex-post facto survey research design and multiple sampling methods, a total of 350 participants participated in the study. 127 (36.3%) were male, 223 (63.7%) were female. 150 (42.9%) were from female only schools, 150 (42.9%) were from co-educational schools and 50 (14.3%) from male only schools. Validated scale was used for data collection. The two hypotheses stated were rejected based on statistical insignificance. There was no significant relationship among gender, need achievement, assertiveness and conceptions. It thus follows that there are other variables, (apart from the ones that were considered in this study) that significantly influence conceptions about mathematics among secondary school students. Attention should therefore be focused on further studies in this area, in order to be able to pigeon-hole the factors that may account for the different conceptions about math, so that right measures will be applied to help students change the wrong conceptions and be better in mathematics as a school subject.

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