Mass
Failure In Mathematics: Causes and Possible Solutions
Mathematics
is very essential for every single student because it forms the bedrock of
other subjects. Studies revealed that adequate knowledge in Mathematics boost
the reasoning faculty of the students.
Contrarily,
many Students fall below their expected level of achievement in Mathematics for
a variety of reasons, which when asked why they were not as successful in
learning Mathematics? Many of them reply that they “Never understood
Mathematics” or “Never like Mathematics” because it was too abstract and did
not relate to them.
The
essence of this write-up is to expose to students and perhaps Mathematics
teachers the fundamental causes of Mathematics phobia in our students and the
possible ways of eradicating this menace in our society.
FUNDAMENTAL Causes of Mass Failure in Mathematics
Mass
failure of Students in Mathematics especially in WAEC, NECO, UTME and other
qualifying examination maybe attributed to many factors which can be
categorized under two sub-headings namely; Teachers influence and Students’
mentality.
TEACHERS’
INFLUENCE: Teachers’ influence in mass failure of mathematics can be result
from poor learning technique, inability to make the subject practicable and
simple, poor knowledge of the course etc.
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STUDENTS
MENTALITY: Students contributes immensely to mass failure of mathematics due to;
- Apathy or what I called mathematics phobia developed for the subject, (especially our female students)
- Laziness/lazy attitude to studying the subject,
- Seeing the subject as abstract or non-practicable,
- Working in isolation or neglecting group studies others are,
- Having a negative attitude toward the subject or teacher,
- Lack of textbooks/learning materials among others.
“Many Students fall below their expected level of achievement in Mathematics for a variety of reasons, which when asked why they were not as successful in learning Mathematics? Many of them reply that they “Never understood Mathematics” or “Never like Mathematics” because it was too abstract. However, improving the welfare package of Mathematics Teachers and awarding scholarship to best Mathematics students who distinguish themselves at all level will serve as incentive to encourage and motivate others”
POSSIBLE SOLUTION:
- Employing competent teachers for the subject,
- Providing competitive platform for the Students to rub mind and grow e.g. inter class quiz competition.
- Improving the welfare package of Mathematics Teachers
- Awarding scholarship to best Mathematics students who distinguished themselves at all level as incentive to encourage and motivate others.
- The ratio of Teacher to Students per class should not be more than 1: 35
- Students should have a personal ‘one on one’ mathematics lesson Teacher to put them through what they did not understand in the class.
- Making learning environment conducive for both teachers and students.
- Making the learning of the subject practicable for the Students to admire it.
Conclusively,
having known the basis causes of mass failure in Mathematics, you will agree
with me that, the above mentioned measures if followed conscientiously will eliminate
Mathematics phobia harbored by our Students and as well improved the overall
performance of our dear Students in Mathematics both in internal and external
examinations.
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