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
