Improving mathematics instruction for girls

Trabajo Escrito , 2010 , 37 Páginas , Calificación: A

Didáctica - Matemática

The objective of this study was to investigate the reasons behind poor performance of girls in mathematics in selected schools in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to investigate some reasons behind this poor performance.
The methods used of data collection include questionnaires and interview guides to gather information on the academic performance in mathematics. Others were original computer printouts for the results of the students in the specified years of study.

The research study recommended that the government should have a policy in place that encourages retaining teachers in upcountry schools, where the government should introduce upcountry allowances in the remunerations scheme of mathematics teachers. Another recommendation made was that enhanced assessment and monitoring of the teaching processes by quality assurors could provide the needed advice and guidance in leaders among other recommendations.

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reasons behind poor performance of a girl child

in mathematics in selected schools.

The specific objectives of the study were to investigate some reasons behind poor performance

of a girl child in mathematics.

The methods used of data collection include questionnaires and interview guides to gather

information on the academic performance in mathematics. Others were original computer

printouts for the results of the students in the specified years of study.

The research study recommended that the government should have a policy in place that

encourages retaining teachers in upcountry schools, where the government should introduce

upcountry allowances in the remunerations scheme of mathematics teachers. Another

recommendation made was that, enhanced assessment and monitoring of the teaching processes

by quality assurors to provide the needed advice and guidance in leaders among other

recommendations.

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Table of Contents

Abstract ... 2

Table of Contents ... 3

List of Figures ... 5

List of Tables ... 6

Abbreviations ... 7

CHAPTER ONE ... 8

Introduction ... 8

Background of the study ... 8

1.1 Problem Statement ... 9

1.2 General Objectives of the study ... 9

1.3 Specific Objectives of the study ... 10

1.4 Research Questions... 10

1.5 Scope of the study ... 10

1.6 Significance of the study ... 10

CHAPTER TWO ... 12

Literature Review ... 12

2.0 Introduction ... 12

CHAPTER THREE ... 15

Methodology ... 15

3.0 Introduction ... 15

3.1 Research Design ... 15

3.2 Environment ... 15

3.3 Instruments ... 15

3.4 Data Collection procedures ... 15

3.5 Statistical Treatment of Data ... 16

CHAPTER FOUR ... 17

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Data Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation ... 17

4.0 Discipline in schools and academic performance of mathematics by girls ... 17

4.1 Quality of teachers and academic performance in mathematics by girls ... 21

4.2 Facilities in school and academic performance in mathematics ... 25

CHAPTER FIVE ... 28

Summary, Conclusion and recommendations ... 28

5.0 Introduction ... 28

5.1 Summary ... 28

5.1.1 Quality of mathematics teachers and academic performance in mathematic ... 28

5.1.2 Facilities in schools and academic performance in mathematics ... 29

5.2 Conclusions ... 29

5.3 Recommendations ... 29

REFERENCE ... 31

APPENDICES ... 32

Questionnaires ... 32

Interview guide for headteachers ... 37

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List of Figures

Figure I: The level of discipline in the school... 11

Figure II: Level of academic performance in mathematics by girls in the school ... 13

Figure III: Rating of adequacy of facilities for mathematics in schools... 20

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List of Tables

Table I: The level of discipline in the school ... 11

Table II A: Level of academic performance in mathematics by girls in the school ... 12

Table II B: Comments by respondents on performance of girls in mathematics... 12

Table III: Combing table I and II the results are as follows... 14

Table IV: Types of indiscipline in schools... 15

Table VI: Qualification of mathematics teachers... 16

Table VII: Experience of mathematics teachers... 16

Table VIII: Students rating of mathematics teachers' performance... 18

Table IX: Rating of adequacy of facilities for mathematics in schools... . 19

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Abbreviations

GOK

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Government of Kenya

K.C.S.E.

-

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

KIU

-

Kampala International University

K.N.E.C

-

Kenya National Examination Council

MOE

-

Ministry of Education

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CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

Background of the study

According to the report in the Ministry of education (Kenya Gazette) on attainment of political

independence in (1963), the Government of Kenya (GOK), households and the private sector

collectively endeavored to enhance the development of education in the country. The quick

development of education and training in Kenya was an aftermath of the Sectional Paper No. 10

of (1995) on African Socialism and its Application to Planning in Kenya, which emphasized

fighting ignorance, disease and poverty. It was based on two long-standing concerns that:

(i)

Every Kenyan child, irrespective of gender, religion and ethnicity, has the inalienable

right to access basic welfare provision, including education; and

(ii)

The Government of Kenya (GOK) has an obligation to provide opportunity to all

citizens to fully participate in socio-economic and political development of the

country and also empower the people to improve their welfare (Kenya Gazette

chapter 118).

Development of education since independence has been marked by various changes and

challenges. For nearly four decades therefore, the sector has undergone several reviews by

special commissions and working parties appointed by the government, with the objective of

improving efficiency and effectiveness of the education at large. The important policy question

arising here is: How can the Government of Kenya (GOK) meet the increasing demands for the

• Universidad: Kampala International University (Bachelor of sciences)
• Curso: BSC
• Calificación: A
• Autores: Evans Mogoi (Autor), Mary Susan Anyiendah (Autor)
• Año de publicación: 2010
• Páginas: 37
• No. de catálogo: V376447
• ISBN (Ebook): 9783668532311
• ISBN (Libro): 9783668532328
• Idioma: Inglés
• Etiqueta: improving, Education development, efficiency and effectiveness of education, mathematics instruction for girls, importance of trained teachers