From theory to practice of promoting student interest in econometrics: application of Structural equation model

Studying econometrics is perceived by many students as challenging, although it helps make predictions and effective professional career decisions. The emergence of the coronavirus disease was seen as a season to reduce further students' interest, motivation, and confidence to study. This study conducted a thorough investigation from theory to the practice of promoting student interest in learning Econometrics. This study adopted Partial Least Squares (PLS) and the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) methodologyfor analysis. Results from the survey show that most of the students who respondents (51%) are at an intermediate level in studying Mathematics and economics. Few of the respondents (23%) have advance knowledge in Mathematics and Economics, and 26% have basic knowledge in Mathematics and Economics.Analysis from the study indicated that the medium of instructions, thus online learning accounted for 22%, offline 10%, and hybrid 68%. Interestingly, the Path Coefficient and T- statistics showed that the correlation between anxiety and confidence was not supported. The study outcome revealed that anxiety and confidence have a negative relationship and that anxiety negatively affects the students' confidence in learning econometrics. The researchers suggest that much effort should be put in place by school authorities and curriculum planners to help learners have much more interest in studying Econometrics. Students are also expected to put in much effort to learn very hard to succeed in the study of Econometrics.