A study of factors related to poor perfomance in mathematics in secondary schools in Temeke district, Dar-es-Salamu - Tanzania

Abstract

Mathematics has been recognised as one of the scence subjects which is very vital in peoples life may it be in science , technology, business and any other in walks of life. However , mathematics performance has continued to deteriorate in secondary schools. This project analysed the factors that contributed to poor performance in mathematics in Temeke district, Dar-es-Salaam.

A total of four schools each with forty students, four mathematics teachers and one Head of Mathematics Department were involved in the research. Data was collected and was analyzed using descriptive and quantitative method. The results proved that there were factors leading to poor performance in mathematics, which included lack of textbooks and other teaching/learning resources, negative attitudes, discipline problems especially on the side of students, lack of update information like methodology, lack of parental support, lack of motivation and others.

Lack of motivation was the main factor that contributed to low performance in mathematics. Other factors that significantly lower performance in mathematics were lack of textbooks and other resources as well as communication barrier.

Based on the findings of this study, the Ministry of Education and Culture, Tanzania Institute of Education and other stakeholders in Education sector should assist in looking into these factors, which contribute to low performance in mathematics. The teachers should be student centred so that they may understand fully the weaknesses areas of each student since these factors affect the student individually.

The Heads of Mathematics Department should ensure that there is a co-operation binding teachers, students and and the head teacher so that the problems facing mathematics department can be solved and thus improve mathematics performance.