Causes of poor performance of girls in mathematics in primary schools :

Abstract

The researcher investigated the causes of poor performance in Mathematics in Primarily Leaving Examinations in Kibuku Town Council, Kibuku District, Uganda. Four sampled primarily schools which constituted a sampled population of one hundred (100) were: 1. Kibuku primary school 2. Kobolwa primary school 3. Kyakonye primary school 4. Bumiza primary school. The research study objectives were: 1.To determine whether methods applied in teaching of Mathematics contributed to poor performance; 2. Instructional materials used to teach Mathematics contributed to poor performance and 3. Negative attitudes of learners contributed to poor performance. The related Literature Review was described under the following themes: • Methods used in teaching and learning Mathematics • Use of instructional materials and • Attitudes of the learners. The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, primary and secondary data collection instruments as well as questionnaires, observation techniques and interviews. While collected data were presented in tables and in percentages (%). The researcher’s discussion depended on literature review sub-themes as seen earlier on. The findings were: • The methods used in the teaching of Mathematics have contributed to poor performance in Mathematics in Primary Leaving Examinations. • Lack of and limited instructional materials contributed to poor performance in Mathematics in Primary Leaving Examinations. • Negative attitudes towards learning Mathematics contributed to the poor performance in Primary Leaving Examinations. • Poor facilities and sanitation never allowed display of the few available instructional materials. • There was high pupil-teacher ratio. • Poor time and time table management. • Inadequate staff quarters and poor motivation of teachers. • Inadequate support by parents, all these contributed to poor performance in Primary Leaving Examinations. The researcher recommended further researchers to investigate more about the causes of poor performance of girls in Mathematics in Primary Leaving Examinations in rural schools too for deeper understanding. I urge to you all outside there to do and encourage others to take research studies seriously.