To analyse arithmetic computational errors made by class three class five and class seven primary school pupils in Webuye division, Bungoma district

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to analyze arithmetic computational errors made by pupils of class three, class five and class seven, in Webuye division of Bungoma district. 360 pupils from six primary schools formed the subjects of the study.

The errors made by pupils were grouped into eight categories to facilitate analysis. Errors made by different classes were compared. Also errors made by boys were compared to those made by girls. The major findings of the study are the following;

1. Most errors were committed by class three primary school pupils

2. Errors decrease as one goes up the academic ladder. Standard three pupils committed more errors than standard five, standard five pupils committed more errors than standard seven pupils.

3. Most errors made were of basic fact type. These were followed by grouping errors.

4. The errors that ere committed least were zero errors and incomplete algorithm.

5. The errors made by children decrease as age increases.

6. There were no significant differences in the errors made by boys in comparison to girls.

7. Even in schools, which do well in public examinations, errors are being made.