Exploring the challenges learners face in understanding fractions and its implications in mathematics performance at Grade Seven level: a case study of selected schools in Epworth Mabvuku Tafara district in Harare
- Author
- Mutetwa, Kenneth
- Title
- Exploring the challenges learners face in understanding fractions and its implications in mathematics performance at Grade Seven level: a case study of selected schools in Epworth Mabvuku Tafara district in Harare
- Abstract
- This study focused on exploring challenges learners face in understanding fractions and its implications on Mathematics performance at Grade Seven Level: a case study of selected schools in Mabvuku Tafara District in Harare. The research approach and data analysis used were qualitative and thematic respectively. Participants were purposively selected from the two primary schools in the district coming with a sample of fifty Grade Seven learners, nine Grade Seven Mathematics teachers and four school administrators. Data generating tools used were questionnaires and interviews. The study reveals that learners encounter significant challenges in understanding fraction concepts, including equivalence, ordering, and operations. These challenges stem from inadequate teaching methods, insufficient practice, and learners' prior knowledge gaps. The findings also indicate that teachers' content knowledge and pedagogical skills play a crucial role in learners' understanding of fractions. Furthermore, the study shows that learners' understanding of fractions has a significant impact on their overall mathematics performance. The study's implications suggest that teachers should adopt learner-centred and activity-based teaching methods to enhance learners' understanding of fraction concepts. Moreover, the study recommends that educators and policymakers prioritize the development of targeted interventions to support learners who struggle with fraction concepts. Overall, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on mathematics education by highlighting the challenges learners face in understanding fractions and the consequences of these challenges on their mathematics performance. The findings of this study have practical implications for teaching, learning, and assessment practices in Mathematics.
- Date
- December 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Mathematics Performance
- Epworth Mabvuku Tafara District
- Grade Seven Learners
- Conceptual Understanding
- Supervisor
- Dr Sunzuma, G.
- Item sets
- Faculty of Science Education
- Media
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Mutetwa, Kenneth. .pdf