Difficulties Of Learning Mathematics: A Case Study Of Wara Secondary School, Hara Division, Ijara District Kenya

ABSTRACT

Considering the contributions of'mathemuties, science, and technology to today's ·world,

one would have expected mounting interest in these disciplines, but the reverse seems to be

the case. Indeed, there is declining interest in mathematics among the youth, and poor

peiformance in exa:ninations .

. It is ironical that in our pro-science and technologically oriented ·world, the youth who

would take charge o.lglobal affairs in thefi1ture - the running o.f industries and the means

of production, research laboratories, space technology, and international politics - are

shying away from the very subjects that should adequately prepare them for such roles.

The study adopted a Descriptive research design. This enhanced the researcher to obtain a

better understanding of the d[fficulties and problems associated with mathematics learning

and its impact on academic pet:fbrmance o.f the students in Wara secondwy school, Hara

division, and fjara district. The method chosen allowed a collection o_f comprehensive and

intensive data and provided an in-depth understanding of the topic under study.

Information collected was analyzed and edited to create consistency and completeness.

After collecting the questionnaires they were edited.for completeness and consistency

across the respondents and to locate omissions. h1formation obtained.fiwn the research

study was presented and analyzed using bar charts, narratives, and statisticalfigures.

This report provides suggestionsfhr more effective practice in the.field olmathematics

learning and measures based on the lessons learnedfi·om practical experience students

and teachers in the study. It is designed.for policy makers, planners and stakeholders ·who have responsibililies in the area c~f'teaching mathematics in the country.