Abstract

EFFECT OF MOTHER-TONGUE ON PERFORMANCE IN MATHEMATICS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS OF BEROM SPEAKING DIALET, PLATEAU STATE: IMPLICATION FOR TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

Dung Sunday Davou (Mphil/Phd Student University Of Jos)

---

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mother-tongue on performance of mathematics, among primary school pupils. The researcher investigated whether any difference existed in the performance of primary six pupils, using Berom language and English language. The researcher also, examined which one was more effective and whether there was any gender difference in performance in mathematics. The study adopted a pre-test, post-test control group quasi experimental design. Two hundred and eighty eight (288) pupils were drawn from twelve primary schools in Fan district of Barkin Ladi L.G.A. of Plateau State, Nigeria were used as sampled schools. A population of 689 was used. Two trained NCE teachers were used for the study. One teacher handled the experimental group, while the other mathematics teacher handled the control group. The instruction lasted for five weeks, using a unified class six mathematics syllabus, designed by the Federal Ministry of Education 9 year basic education curriculum. Mathematics Performance Test (MPT) was used as the instrument to collect data from the pupils. The scores were collected from the research assistants marked and scored over 20. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. While t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used on the pre-test and post-test scores of experimental and control groups. Findings revealed a significant difference in performance. Based on findings among others, it was recommended that mother-tongue is an important ingredient to teaching and learning of mathematics in primary schools and a necessity to acquire technological development in Nigeria. Key Words: Mother tongue, performance, mathematics.

PDF