The relationship between performance in mathematics and physics at KCSE level in Kenyan Secondary Schools: a case study Nandi East District-Rift Valley Province
Loading...
Date
2010-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Education Open and Distance Learning
Abstract
Mathematics is a vital part of solving many physics problems. It is a universal language that could often condense a complicated conceptual problem into a simple relationship between variables. Mathematics teaching should enhance pupils' learning of physics. On the other hand concepts learnt in physics should enhance the understanding of some concepts in Mathematics. Factors influencing students' full participation in learning of physics are the attitude towards physics, students' perceptions of the relevance of science, students' perception of physics as difficult, teachers' perception of physics as difficult and the language used in teaching and learning. Studies have shown that students' attitude towards mathematics is influenced by many factors such as sex differences, Socio-Economic standing and students' perception on the prior performance in mathematics. A survey was used to show the relationship between performance in mathematics and physics at KCSE level in Nandi East District. The population of this study was all the high schools within the Nandi East District. A sample for this study was 14 secondary schools within Nandi East. This sample was chosen using stratified random sampling. The data was collected by investigating the relevant areas of study through the interview guides. The data gathered was analyzed using SPSS software for correlation and other statistical coefficients. The researcher found out that the majority of the respondents were females, majority of the schools were boarding schools and that the majority of the schools had career guidance and counseling services. This helped the students in dealing with any difficulties faced in the subjects. Unfortunately the female students had a negative attitude towards some subjects than their male counterparts as more male students were doing physics than females. The researcher also concluded that Physics was perceived as the most difficult subject to study by the students in secondary schools, there was a strong correlation (relationship) between mathematics and physics. Also schools should have guidance and counseling services in order to ensure that the students have the awareness of the subjects and how they can influence their future careers.
Description
A research report submitted to the College of Education Open and Distance Learning in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of a Bachelor of Education of Kampala International University
Keywords
Performance in mathematics and physics, Relationship