A study of poor and declining performance in mathematics among public primary school pupils in Gathenje zone, Oljoro-Orok division of Nyandarua north district, Kenya
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Date
2009-11
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Kampala International University, Institute of Open and Distance Learning
Abstract
The importance of mathematics in life of an individual, community, nation and the world at
large cannot be underscored. Mathematics is a tool that is used to solve problems encountered
in life. The subject is pillar in Scientific and Technological development in any nation in the
world. More so it is an integrating factor in many subjects learnt by a pupil in school e.g.
social studies, Religious Education, science just to name a few. Therefore, poor and declining
performance in mathematics is a concern to the individual, society, nation and even the world
at large. It is in view of the pivotal role of mathematics that triggered curiosity to study and
identify the factors that have contributed to poor and declining performance in mathematics in
Gathanje zone and consequently identify probable solutions and thus outline
recommendations. In order to get the required information two types of instruments were
developed and used to collect data. One type is questionnaire be filled by teachers and the
other by pupils. The questionnaires were self administered in the six selected schools. The
data collected was analysed using percentages for quantifiable responses. The data provided
by the respondents was extracted and discussed as per item. The teachers teaching methods
and pupils attitudes were discussed as well as their opinions towards improving teaching
learning process. Most of the responses were analysed in table form. It was found that most of
mathematics teachers rarely use any other resources apart from the chalkboard and they
require the whole class to concentrate on what they write on the chalkboard. Most of the
pupils on the other hand had negative attitude towards mathematics emanating from parents
especially the mothers and the peers. It was found that the schools have substantial
commercial resources provided through Free Primary Education Programme but the initiative
of teachers to improvise supplementary ones was minimal. However it is believed that
seminars workshops, insets and induction courses for teachers on teaching methodology
would arouse the desire to make Teaching and Learning child centred and thus induce
motivation and interest to the learners. Parents also need to be counselled to desist from
instilling fear of mathematics to their children.
Description
A research report submitted to the Institute of Open and Distance Learning in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Award of the Bachelor of education in early childhood and primary education of Kampala International University
Keywords
mathematics, performance