An investigation into the Causes of low pass rate in Mathematics at Ordinary level at Darwin High School.
- Author
- Ndlovu, Alert
- Title
- An investigation into the Causes of low pass rate in Mathematics at Ordinary level at Darwin High School.
- Abstract
- The purpose of this study was to investigate factors contributing low pass rate in mathematics at ordinary level at Darwin High School in Mt Darwin District; Zimbabwe. The researcher was compeled by the recurrence of low pass rates in mathematics ordinary level for the past four years she has been teaching at Darwin High School. Pupils apparently perform fairly well at grade seven level but their performance at ordinary level is appalling. The researcher utelised the case study and historical research design for it was found useful in carrying out action based research. Data was collected through self administered questionnaires. Systematic sampling procedure was used to select a sample fo 54 resopondents , four mathematics teachers and fifty learners.The researcher used pie charts, tables and bar graphs during data presentation . The data was coded into meaningful themes for easy analysis. This current study was informed by Pieget’s theory of cognitive development and Wiglan’s productive environment experience theory. Factors ranging from those which are school based to those which are home based were found to be contributing to low pass rate in mathematics at ordinary level by pupils at Darwin High School in Mt Darwin District. Home based factors such as socio- economic background of parents, parents’ attitude towards school work, and status of parents and school based factors such as the school environment, large classes, relationship between learners and the teacher were found to be contributing towards high low pass rate in Mathematics at ordinary level. The study recommends motivation of the teaching personnel so that best efforts can be exerted by the teachers, an effective personnel management system to be put in place to do away with erratic lesson observstions, diversifying teaching methods( embracing ICT tools) to motivate learners and maintain the zeal to learn and to ensure there is reasonable teacher – pupil ratios to enable individual contact with teacher.
- Date
- 2022
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Mathematics at Ordinary level
- Cause of low pass rate
- Supervisor
- Hlupo, P.
