An Investigation into problems faced by teachers and learners in the teaching and learning of probability in mathematics at ordinary level: a case study of Magunje high school in UMP district
- Author
- Musanhi, Aquinata
- Title
- An Investigation into problems faced by teachers and learners in the teaching and learning of probability in mathematics at ordinary level: a case study of Magunje high school in UMP district
- Abstract
- The purpose of the study was to explore problems encountered in the teaching and learning of probability at Ordinary level and to offer ways of addressing them. A convenient sample of seven mathematics teachers and twenty-five Ordinary level mathematics candidates participated in the study. A descriptive survey design was used. Data was collected from the teachers using a teacher questionnaire and teacher interview and from learners through the use of a learner questionnaire, diagnostic test and learner interview. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were used to analyse learner questionnaires, teacher questionnaires and learners‟ responses to a diagnostic test. Teacher and learner interviews were transcribed and classified according to themes. The results showed that teachers had difficulty in constructing and interpreting probability diagrams and tables and interpreting probability terminology. Also, the results showed that learners experienced difficulties in constructing and interpreting probability graphs and tables; and interpreting probability terminology. The results found possible causes of the teachers' difficulties to be their lack of probability content knowledge, inadequate textbooks and in-service programs which did not pay adequate attention to probability. Further, the findings of the study were that the probable causes of learners' difficulties were teachers’ lack of content knowledge in probability, inadequate learning materials and learners’ lack of conceptual knowledge of certain aspects of probability. Lastly, the results of the study recommended that the possible ways to address the problems in the teaching and learning of probability at ordinary level to be; textbooks should be well written (provide thorough explanations) and contain all the information necessary to teach probability (i.e. formulae, more examples); in-service teacher programs should meet the needs of the teachers by offering topics that teachers find difficult to teach and more and longer inset programs on probability.
- Date
- June 2018
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Probability in Mathematics
- Teachers and Learners
- Supervisor
- Mr. Z. Ndemo
- Media
-
Musanhi, Aquinata.pdf