FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR POOR PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MATHEMATICS IN ONITSHA EDUCATION ZONE

Abstract

This study focused on the factors responsible for poor performance of senior secondary school students in mathematics in Onitsha Education Zone. The study was guided by four research questions. The study is a descriptive survey design. The targeted population consisted of senior secondary school students in Onitsha Education Zone. A total of 100 respondents were purposively selected by the researchers. The data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire after it was validated. The collected data were presented in tables and analyses were made using percentage and mean. The findings include: shortage of qualified mathematics teacher, students’ attitude towards teaching/learning of mathematics, mathematics phobia, mathematics language, lack of instructional aids, large class size and inadequate time and contact per week. It was also discovered that students played a major role in their poor performance in mathematics in Onitsha Education Zone. The teachers also contributed by lacking the relevant qualification needed in mathematics, and their inability of using instructional aids in teaching mathematics. It was also found that poor performance in mathematics has great effects on students’ overall achievement in academic work. Also, the researchers discovered that the problems of poor performance in mathematics in Onitsha Education Zone can be solved by providing good guidance counsellors in schools, organizing seminars at schools, provision of facilities like graph boards, four figure tables, etc and employing experienced and qualified mathematics teacher in school. Based on the above findings, recommendations were made; that government should employ seasoned and qualified mathematics teachers in schools, provide enough facilities in schools, teachers should endeavour to give assignments to students always and do the corrections in the next period.

TABLE OF CONTENT

 

Title Page                                                                                                    i

Certification Page                                                                                                 ii

Approval Page                                                                                           iii

Dedication                                                                                                  iv

Acknowledgement                                                                                      v

Table of Content                                                                                         vi

List of Tables                                                                                              viii

Abstract                                                                                                      ix

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study                                                                                     1

Statement of the Problem                                                                           3

Purpose of the Study                                                                                  3

Significance of the Study                                                                            4

Scope of the Study                                                                                     4

Research Questions                                                                                    4

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

Conceptual Framework                                                                                        6

Theoretical Framework                                                                              11

Empirical Studies                                                                                                 13

Summary of Literature Review                                                                            15

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHOD

Research Design                                                                                         17

Area of the Study                                                                                                 17

Population of the Study                                                                                       18

Sample and Sampling Techniques                                                              18

Instrument for Data Collection                                                                            19

Validation of the Instrument                                                                      20

Reliability of the Instrument                                                                       20

Method of Data Collection                                                                         20

Method of Data Analysis                                                                           21

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

Personal Data of Respondents                                                                             22

Analysis of Research Questions                                                                 23

Summary of Major Findings                                                                      27

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Discussion of Findings                                                                               28

Educational Implications                                                                                      30

Conclusion                                                                                                 30

Recommendations                                                                                                31

Limitations of the Study                                                                                      31

Suggestions for Further Studies                                                                 32

Summary of the Study                                                                               32

REFERENCES                                                                                         33

APPENDIX  I                                                                                            38

APPENDIX II                                                                                            42