An Investigation on the influence of language in the teaching and learning of mathematics at Mt Ruunze secondary school in Wedza district

Author

Rumhungwe, Fortunate P.

Title

An Investigation on the influence of language in the teaching and learning of mathematics at Mt Ruunze secondary school in Wedza district

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate on the influence of language in the teaching and learning of mathematics at secondary school level at Mt Ruunze Secondary school in Wedza District under Mashonaland East Province. Descriptive research design was used in this research because it allowed a systematic collection of data by penetrating into the realities of the situation and also that it produced more in-depth comprehensive information. In this research, the population was made up of 86 students and 6 teachers and a sample of 20 students and 2 teachers was collected using the stratified sampling method where groups were formed according to the learners’ mother language Shona. The instruments used to collect data were interviews, focus groups and tests. The findings revealed that pupils encountered challenges which include failure to interpret math language, difficulties in communicating properly with the examiner mathematically, and difficulties in linking English and math language to their local language. The study recommended that teachers need to vary their teaching methodologies and adopt methods that cater for different abilities of the learners, particularly those methods that encourage pupils’ centred learning and maximum participation of the pupils while teacher is the facilitator of the process. Teachers must encourage learners to change their attitude towards mathematics as a subject and its language. There is also need for teachers to encourage students to abandon the habit of absconding lessons, they have to attend all lessons in mathematics and fully participate in all activities in mathematics so that they do not lag behind when concept of math and its language are being taught. In addition the study recommends that school authorities should support the mathematics department through providing the requested resources. All this would improve the performance of Mathematics.

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Language

Teaching and learning

Mt Ruunze Secondary School

Mathematics

Supervisor

Dr. Sunzuma