Abstract

ANALYSIS OF THE PRACTICAL VALUES OF MATHEMATICS USED IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS IN RIVERS STATE.

Asan M. B

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Abstract This work analyzed the practical values of mathematics in senior secondary school textbooks in Rivers State. Five purposes of the study, five research questions and four hypotheses guided the study. Descriptive survey design method was used. A sample of 2000 senior secondary schools students two (SSS2 students) were selected. A 20 items questionnaire title analysis of practical values in senior secondary school mathematics textbooks (APVSMT), consisting of 3 sessions, namely A, B and C respectively. Section A dealt with textbooks acquisition and usage, section B is about textbook illustrations and examples while section C was on topics in the mathematics textbooks and their relevance to practical situation. Percentage, mean and standard deviation (SD) were used to answer research questions while independent sample t-test was used to test the hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that new general mathematics textbook is the most popularly used mathematics textbook by SSS2 students in Rivers State. The study also revealed that examples and illustrations used in the New general and comprehensive mathematics textbooks are relevant to practical situations. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that teachers should be encouraged to use examples and illustrations while teaching, since examples and illustrations are relevant to practical situations. Authors of mathematics textbooks should include application of mathematical concepts to real life in each of the topic in mathematics, so that students will be aware of the practicability of the subject (mathematics). Key Words: Practical values, Mathematics and Mathematics textbooks.

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