The effect of a learning material in probability on the academic performance of form three students in Mnyenzeni Secondary School, Kenya
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Date
2011-09
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Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Education, Open and Distance and E-learning
Abstract
This study determined the effect of a learning material entitled “Probability Made Easier” on the academic performance of form three students in Mnyenzeni Secondary School in the Coast Province of Kenya. The performance of students in Mathematics in National Examinations in this school is deplorable. The study sought
to establish and recommend the kind of learning materials that can be used to enhance the learning of mathematics, specifically probability and hence improve performance. The study was conducted using the experimental research design, specifically the Trial and Cross-Over design. Data was collected in July using a researcher devised Record Sheet as well as existing documents namely: students’ admission registers, class registers and students’ files, from a hundred and one form three students of Mnyenzeni Secondary school. The data collected was analyzed using percentage distribution technique, the students’ mean scores and student test. The analyzed data was presented in tables. The study revealed that the respondents joined secondary school with good grades in Mathematics. This was observed in their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (K.C.P.E.) Mathematics
grade where over 80% had grade C and above. It further revealed that the majority of the respondents were male students. Over half of the respondents were aged below 18 years but a good percentage were over 18 years of age. Other findings of the study were that the learning material was significantly effective in the teaching and learning of probability. This is because the experimental group that was taught
using the learning material registered a significant difference in the per-test mean score. It further registered a significant difference in the post-test mean gain in the Trial and Cross-Over Phases. This scenario disapproved the null hypothesis of no significant difference. The study concluded that the Learning Material was significantly effective in the experimental group in both the Trial and Cross-Over Phases. Further the study concluded that students would be motivated to learn if they see the relevance of what they learn in school to their immediate needs. The
researcher recommended that the Learning Material be adopted in the teaching of probability in secondary schools in the district. Seminars need to be conducted to sensitize teachers on the need to motivate learners. All these are geared towards dealing with the problem of poor performance of students in mathematics
Description
A Thesis presented to the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research of Kampala International University Kampala, Uganda in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Educational Administration and Management
Keywords
Learning materials, Academic performance, Students, Mnyenzeni Secondary School, Kenya, Mathematics