Analysis of the factors that influence the performance of mathematics in ordinary secondary schools :

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the factors affecting the performance in mathematics, of students at Ordinary Level in Petta community secondary school (Government Aided Secondary School), West Budama North constituency in Tororo District. The goals of the research were as follows; first, to determine the school based factors that influence the performance of students in UCE Mathematics at Petta Community secondary School, Petta Sub County, West Budama North Constituency, Tororo District. Secondly, to find out student personal factors that influences the performance of students in UCE Mathematics at Petta Community secondary School, Petta Sub County, West Budama North Constituency, Tororo District. And thirdly to identify strategies that can be adopted to improve student poor performance in UCE Mathematics in the Ordinary secondary school level at Petta Community secondary School, Petta Sub County, West Budama North Constituency, Tororo District. The target population for this study was the Mathematics teachers and form four students in Petta Community secondary School. A sample of 60 was used to obtain information from both students and the Mathematics teachers, and 50 were used to collect data from students while 10 was administered to the teachers. The study was conducted using the questionnaires which contained a series of questions which guided the researcher to get the required information from the respondents. The coded data was edited, organized, classified and presented using percentages and statistical approach. This helped in the proper organization and interpretation of data in tables and graphs. The study showed that, student’s personal factors or attitudes are a major contributor to the poor performance of students in Mathematics. Teaching and learning materials including motivation of Mathematics teachers need to be well equipped by the school and encourage by government since they were the most important strategies or measures that can improve student’s poor performance in Mathematics.