A Preliminary investigation of the definition and indicators of Acute Innumeracy Dependence Syndrome (AIDS) among Nigerian Senior High School Students

Innumeracy is pervasive in the world population. Arresting innumeracy through promoting numerical literacy and enhancing basic mathematical skills can aid students to develop a solid foundation for appreciating and comprehending mathematics. Meanwhile, some high school students detest mathematics due to their unpleasant feeling towards it orchestrated by their teachers. This study clarified the definition of acute innumeracy dependence syndrome (AIDS) and developed its indicators. The participants were nine grade 12 students at one senior high school in Lagos, Nigeria. A descriptive qualitative research with a phenomenological approach was adopted and data collected using semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed. Results showed that there were six indicators of AIDS: (1) unpleasant feelings towards mathematics over a prolonged period of time; (2) calculator dependence when solving simple calculation in mathematics to the detriment of mental calculation; (3) difficulty with mental mathematics and estimations; (4) struggle with basic mathematical concepts, such as fractions or percentages; (5) avoidance of mathematical tasks or problems; and (6) decreased confidence in mathematical abilities. The proposed definition of AIDS is a debilitating condition developed from negative past experiences orchestrated by calculator dependence when solving simple calculation in mathematics, difficulty with mental mathematics, struggle with basic mathematical concepts, avoidance of mathematical tasks, and decreased confidence in mathematical abilities. Thus, mathematics teachers must work assiduously to lessen the effects and consequences of AIDS among the students. Students with little or no symptoms of AIDS will realise, like and appreciate the usefulness and beauty of mathematics in real-life contexts.