Investigating the causes of low mathematics achievement among Form 3 learners in two rural schools of Nemangwe cluster in Gokwe South District · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Mlondiwa, B.

Title

Investigating the causes of low mathematics achievement among Form 3 learners in two rural schools of Nemangwe cluster in Gokwe South District

Abstract

The researcher conducted a study to investigate the causes of low mathematics achievement among Form 3 learners in two rural schools of Nemangwe cluster in Gokwe South District - Midlands Province. The study sought to establish the strategies that can be adopted to improve the achievement rate of Form 3 learners at schools under investigation. The study used mixed methods research methodologies. The study sampled 6 teachers teaching mathematics and 32 Form 3 learners also doing mathematics. Specifically it used in-depth structured interviews, questionnaire and focus-group discussions to gather data. Focus Group Discussions were done with 2 groups of learners per school whilst interviews and questionnaires were done with mathematics HODs and the mathematics teachers respectively. Data was analyzed using themes that originated from the gathered data. The study established that there was a lack of appropriate instructional materials and infrastructural support, high teacher-pupil ratio, negative attitudes of students and no technological integration into the subject. The study recommended that schools should have mathematics libraries that will inculcate mathematics friendly environments; the school administration should venture with private partners to increase more classroom blocks to accommodate all learners, the mathematics department is male dominated, gender balance is a necessity to challenge girls not to have inferiority complex in the subject or end up stereotyping the subject; the schools should not be discriminatory to learners there should be ramps in each and every classroom entrance, schools should engage in income generating projects that will raise funds for subscribing the school WIFI which is dormant and hamper research and latest mathematics updates in the school and lastly the school should provide calculators for learners. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should articulate a clear policy on inclusion and provision of adequate financial support to the rural schools to support mathematics teaching and learning, and roll out staff development workshops in mathematics at school, cluster and district level to make sure no school is left behind.

Date

2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

mathematics achievement

causes

Supervisor

Dr Chinhara H.