The Effect of a Learning Material in Probability on the Academic Performance of Form Three Students in Mnyenzeni Secondary School, Kenya

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 t 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 pre-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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Preliminaries

Declaration A

Declaration B ii

Approval Sheet iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgment v

Abstract vi

Acronyms Vii

List of Tables x

List of Figures xi

Chapter

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 2

Purpose of the Study 3

Research Objectives 3

Research Questions 3

Null Hypotheses 4

Scope 4

Significance of the Study 4

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 5

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions from Authors/Experts 6

Theoretical Perspectives 10

Related Studies 12

Three METHODOLOGY

Research Design 14

Research Population 19

Sample Size 19

Sampling Procedure 19

Research Instruments 19

Data Gathering Procedures 19

Data Analysis 20

Ethical Considerations 21

Limitations of the Study 22

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 23

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 30

Findings 30

Conclusions 31

Recommendations 31

References 32

Appendices

Appendix I A Transmittal Letter 35

Appendix I B Transmittal Letter for Respondents 36

Appendix II Clearance from Ethics Committee 37

Appendix III Informed Consent 38

Appendix IV A Profile of the Respondents 39

Appendix IV B Record Sheet 40

Appendix V Time Frame 41

Appendix VI The Learning Material 42

Appendix VII The Pre-Test 43

Appendix VIII The Post-Test 44

Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae 45