Abstract

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PROBLEMS FACING THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF MATHEMATICS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MAKURDI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE

Terna Godfrey Ieren* Samson Kuje** Jamila Abdullahi

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Abstract Mathematics occupies a central position in the school curriculum. It is a core subject from the primary through the junior secondary to the senior secondary school levels of the educational system. This important position occupied by the subject in the school curricula is borne out of the role of mathematics in scientific and technological development as in national building. However, the teaching of this important subject is faced with so many problems. Therefore, this study investigated and identified some of the problems facing the teaching and learning of Mathematics in secondary schools within the study area. The study employed survey research design; the sample consisted of 75 Mathematics Teachers and 525 students selected from both private and public secondary schools as respondents across the study area using a structured questionnaire as a means of data collection. We designed two separate questionnaires for both mathematics students and teachers. Percentages of items were used to determine whether a problem was ?a major problem? or ?not a major problem? following a standard benchmark. The results of the study revealed that;lack of qualified teachers, lack of interest on the part of the students, lack of instructional materials, lack of motivation for both teachers and students and poor remuneration are some of the major problems negatively influencing the teaching and learning of mathematics in secondary schools in the study area. Based on the findings, several conclusions and recommendations were made to ensure meaningful progress of students in mathematics Keywords: Mathematics, instructional materials, teaching methods, quality performance, achievement, remuneration, motivation, and academic achievement.

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