Pre-school teachers use of scaffolding methods in teaching mathematics : a case study of Embakasi Division, Nairobi Province
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Date
2011-11-11
Authors
Mwangi, Hannah Njeri
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Abstract
The study was based on poor performance of mathematics worldwide and more so in Kenya, despite numerous researches on the possible causes and proposed solutions. The researcher postulates that performance could be improved by using; the known more effective methods such as scaffolding teaching method. The purpose of the study was to find out the extent to which pre-school teachers use scaffolding teaching method to teach mathematics. The study involved 24 pre-school teachers teaching in Embakasi Division of' Nairobi Province, Kenya, selected using stratified random sampling. The study used three theories:- Bandura's Social Learning Theory, Lev Vvootsky's Social Development Theory and bruner's Constructivist Theory. The research design used is ?A-post-facto research. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential techniques The study found that only one of' the elements o scaffolding, namely directing, was being used at an appropriate mean frequency ICVel score of 64.2 while the other live had lOW mean usage between 4.5 and 23.7. These others are soliciting (4.5), child's idea (10.8) encouraging (12.0) questioning (18.8), and freedom (23.7). This indicated inadequate overall use of' the method. However none of' the independent variables under study that is class size, teaching experience, training
program pre-school teachers attitude towards frequency of' use of scaffolding teachin•, method, mathematics attainment and school management, proved to have significant effect on use of scaffolding teaching method. To improve on the( Performance of mathematics, the study recommends emphasis to be placed on continuous training on the use of the method during in-service training and further recommends that research be dome on other variables likely to affect scaffolding teaching method such as marital status, bender, and age.
Description
The LB 1186.M8
Keywords
Early childhood education//Early childhood teaching