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Journal of Education and Practice                                                                     www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No.8, 2012


   Causes of Mass Failure in Senior School Certificate Mathematics
       Examinations As Viewed By Secondary School Teachers and
                                    Students in Ondo, Nigeria.
      DR (MRS.) SALMAN, M.F.1; DR MOHAMMED, A. S.2; DR. OGUNLADE A. A.1 AND AYINLA, J.O.1
                        1. Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
                 2. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria.
                             Correspondent Author’s E-mail salman_mf2005@yahoo.com
Abstract
The study examined the causes of Mass failure in Senior School Certificate Mathematics examinations as viewed by
Secondary School Teachers and Students in Ondo, Nigeria.
The Senior Secondary School teachers and students were involved as population for the study. 100 teachers and 400
Senior Secondary two students were purposively selected. The descriptive survey research was adopted for the study.
The sampled teachers and students responded to researchers-prepared questionnaire titled “causes of students’ mass
failure in SSCE mathematics examinations”. The causes considered were those by: Teachers, Students, Parents,
Society, Government, School and Examination bodies. A sample of the items in the questionnaire include: lack of
frequent practice by students, Poor mathematical background, laziness on the part of students and teachers, among
others. The response scales are Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree and Strongly Disagree. Frequency counts and
percentages were employed to answer the seven research questions generated. Findings indicated that 98% of
teachers and 76% of students viewed laziness on the part of students as a major factor responsible for students’ mass
failure in SSC Mathematics examinations while 97% of teachers and 79% of students viewed lack of frequent
practice by students as another responsible factor for mass failure in Mathematics among others. The identified
causes could be ameliorated through enhancing the teachers’ quality in terms of subject contents, providing them
opportunities for further studies, attending seminars and workshops for update because their quality has significant
role to play in teaching and learning of the subject.
Keywords: Mass failure, Mathematics, Performance, examinations.

1. Introduction
The performance of students in Senior Secondary Sciences in Nigeria has remained an issue of concern to all stake
holders (Ajagun, 2000). The report by Ojerinde (1998) on the survey of the performance of candidates in science
subjects in Nigeria over the years revealed a discernible decline. This perennial decline has remained a source of
concern to science educators, mathematicians and mathematics educators (Nnaka and Anaekwe, 2004).

The Senior School Certificate Mathematics Examinations referred to in this study are the Mathematics Examinations
conducted by the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and the one conducted by the National Examination
Council (NECO). Table1 shows the pattern of students’ achievement in Senior School Certificate Mathematics
Examinations conducted by WAEC. The trend of achievement is for a          period of five consecutive years (2006 –
2010). Students’ achievements in four years (2006, 2007, 200 and 2010) were below 50%. It was only in 2008 that
student’s achievement was slightly above average. This has strong implications for the study of science subjects at
institutions of higher learning.

Figure 1 shows the graphical representation of students’ achievement in SSC mathematics examinations from 2006 –
2010. The bar chart shows the number and the trend of students that passed at credit level, ordinary pass, and failure
respectively in each year considered. The height of the bars in 2008 further confirmed that the greatest achievement
was recorded in that year. The abysmal achievement implies that in four consecutive years, less than 50% that made
a credit pass in Mathematics are qualified to seek for admission into the University and other allied tertiary
institutions. This is worrisome. Thus, the study sought the views of teachers and students on the causes of inadequate

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Journal of Education and Practice                                                                      www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No.8, 2012

achievement in SSC mathematics examinations in Nigeria.

1.1 Purpose of the Study
The main purpose of this study is to find out the causes of mass failure in mathematics as viewed by teachers and
students in Ondo, Nigeria.

1.2 Research Questions
The following research questions were raised to guide the conduct of the study.
    1. What are the views of teachers and students on the role of students as a cause for mass failure in
         NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations?
    2. What are the views of teachers and students on the role of parents as a cause for mass failure in
         NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations?
    3. What are the views of teachers and students on the role of society as a cause for mass failure in
         NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations?
    4. What are the views of teachers and students on the role of teachers as a cause for mass failure in
         NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations?
    5. What are the views of teachers and students on the role of government as a cause for mass failure in
         NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations?
    6. What are the views of teachers and students on the role of school as a cause for mass failure in
         NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations?
    7. What are the views of teachers and students on the role of examination bodies as a cause for mass failure in
         NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations?

2.0 Literature Review
Mathematics is the science of number and space and the language of science and technology. It is an essential
requirement by every field of intellectual endeavour and human development to cope with the challenges of life. It is
also described as the queen and servant of all school subjects, since it cuts across the school curricula (Fajemidagba,
1986; and Akpan, 1987).Mathematics as a school subject affects all aspects of human life at different degrees. For
instance, mathematics is relevant in economics, political, geographical, scientific and technological aspects of man
because it centered on the use of numbers which is an integral component of every aspect of knowledge. Other areas
where the use of numbers is predominant include: statistics, accounts, arithmetic, engineering, and so on. For
example the earliest civilization of mankind came through mathematical manipulations through the use of numbers.

Mathematics is seen as the language used to describe the problems arising in most branches of science and
technology. It is a subject that is related to other school subjects in areas like number and numeration, variation,
graphs, fractions, logarithms and indices, algebraic processes, solution of equation and also in area and volume.
Inspite of its importance, the performance of students in the subject has been a great concern to the society. Awokoya
(1975) and Fafunwa (1980) revealed in their different research studies that everyone lives in a world where science
and technology have become an integral part of the world culture, therefore for any nation to be relevant; it must not
over look the importance of mathematics in her educational system.Adebule (2004) submitted that there is a
consensus of opinion about the fallen standard of education in Nigeria. He further stated that parents and government
are in total agreement that their huge investment on education is not yielding the desired dividend. Teachers also
complain of students’ low performance at both internal and external examinations (Ashiaka, 2010).

Aremu and Sokan (2003) submitted that the search for the causes of poor academic achievement in Mathematics is
unending. Some of the factors identified by them are: motivational orientation, self-esteem/self efficacy, emotional
problems, study habits, teacher consultation and poor interpersonal relationships among students. The National
Mathematical Centre, Abuja (NMC, 2009), in an attempt to revamp Mathematics teaching and learning at Secondary
Schools, has successfully researched into the causes and remedies for the abysmal failure in WAEC, SSCE and
JAMB Mathematics examinations. It has discovered that poor performance in the promotion/public examinations in
Mathematics has more to do with the teachers’ method of teaching than the content of curricular of the school
Mathematics (NMC, 2009). It was this empirical background that necessitated and spurred the Center’s Mathematics

                                                          80
Journal of Education and Practice                                                                       www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No.8, 2012

Improvement Programme (MIP) project to create a new teaching methodology to enhance students’ performance in
Mathematics. Bolaji (2005) in a study on the influence of students’ attitude towards Mathematics found that the
teachers’ method of teaching and his personality greatly accounted for the students’ positive attitude towards
Mathematics.

The importance of location to a successful academic achievement cannot be overemphasized; where the school is
located determines to a very large extent the patronage such a school will enjoy. Similarly, the entire unattractive
physical structure of the school building could de-motivate learners to achieve academically. This is what
Isangedighi (1998) refers to as learner’s environment mismatch. According to him, this promotes poor academic
performance.The means or strategies employed by teachers in an attempt to impact knowledge to the learners are
referred to as methodology which is another factor that could influence the students’ academic performance.
Sometimes when a teacher teaches and at the end of the lesson, evaluation is carried out and it is discovered that
students are unable to carry out the behavioural or instructional objectives, what the teacher needs to do is to
examine his teaching methods rather than looking at students as the cause.
Most untrained teachers point accusing fingers on students rather than on themselves when the students are unable to
carry out the expected behaviour at the end of the lesson or in examinations. Therefore, teachers planning should
include:
I. Choice of appropriate teaching material
II. Choice of appropriate teaching method
III. Intensive research on the topic to be taught
IV. Determination of the objectives for the lesson generally, peer group means a group of equals.

Sociologists apply it to groups made up of persons who are of the same age and often to groups of children or of
adolescents. Peer group play a normal part in the process of socialization as they provide experiences to those who
are growing up, a type that are not available in their own families. The adolescents take solace in interacting with
their peers and they prefer to keep longer time with their peers than their parents. The peer group therefore has
tremendous influence on the adolescent’s pattern of behavior especially on their interests, attitudes, value system,
emotional expressions, and interaction patterns and so on. However, the peer group’s norms/standards in many cases
may run foul to that of the community or society at large. Thus, when an adolescent fall into a bad group, the
chances are high that his/her social behavior would change for bad rather than for good, which can influence his/her
academic performance negatively.

3.0 Methodology

3.1 Research Type
The study adopted descriptive survey type using frequency count and percentage for the analysis

3.2 Sampling Technique

The target population comprised of senior secondary two (SS2) students and their teachers in both public and private
secondary schools in Ondo town of Ondo state, Nigeria. A total of 400 SS 2 students and 100 teachers were selected
from four secondary schools by stratified random sampling technique (100 Students and 25 teachers each of 2 Public
Schools and 2 Private schools disrespectful of gender and field of study). The reason for selecting these variables
was because the teacher and the students are the major stake holders in teaching and learning processes.

3.3 Data Collection procedure

Two private and two public secondary schools were randomly selected for the purpose of this study. The researchers
went to the principals of the selected senior secondary schools and sought for the permission to t administer the
questionnaire in their schools. After getting the approval, the researchers proceeded to the senior school 2
mathematics teachers of each selected schools for briefing and discussion after which the questionnaire was handed
over to them for administration to all S S 2 students and all the teachers in their various school. The researchers then

                                                          81
Journal of Education and Practice                                                                   www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No.8, 2012

went back to each school the third day for collection of the filled questionnaire.
.
3.4 Research Instrument

The main Instrument used for this study was a researchers-designed questionnaire on teachers and students’ views on
the causes of students’ mass failure in senior school certificate( SSC) Mathematics examinations.
The questionnaire contains two (2) sections; section A sought information on personal data of the respondents and
section B contains seven (7) probable causes of mass failure in SSC mathematics examinations. Such include:
Students’ cause( 7 items); Parent’s cause ( 9 items); Societal cause ( 7 items); Teachers ‘cause ( 8 items);
Government cause ( 6 items); Schools’ cause ( 5 items); and Examinations bodies’ cause ( 3 items) that require
responses of alternative options from the respondents.The response scales are: strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree and
strongly Disagree. In all, the questionnaire contains forty-five (45) items seeking information about the causes of
students’ mass failure in SSC Mathematics examinations.

4. Results

The seven research questions raise for this study were answered using frequency count and percentage.

4.1 Question. 1
What are the views of teachers and students on the role of students as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC
Mathematics examinations?

On the role of Students as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC mathematics examinations 96 out of 100
teachers representing 96% and 314 out 400 students representing 78.5% agreed that students’ lack of frequent
practice accounted for mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations. While 94 out of 100 teachers
representing 94% and 242 out of 400 students representing 60.5% accepted that poor Mathematical background of
the students lead to mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations. Also, 98 out of 100 teachers
representing 98% and 284 out 400 students representing 71% submitted that students Laziness served as a major
reason for mass failure in NECO/WAEC mathematics examinations.

4.2 Question. 2
What are the views of teachers and students on the role of parents as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC
Mathematics examinations?

On Parents as a cause for Students mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations, 88 out of 100
teachers representing 88% and 288 out of 400 students representing 72% agreed that Parental influence on Children
career choice lead to failure in examinations while 86 out of 100 teachers representing 86% and 254 out 400
students representing 63.5% agreed that undeserved admission to schools serve as a major cause for students mass
failure. 80 out of 100 teachers representing 80% and 258 out of 400 students representing 64.5% also agreed that
parent’s failure to provide their wards with adequate materials for learning mathematics lead to poor academic
performance in the subject..

4.3 Question. 3
What are the views of teachers and students on the role of society as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC
Mathematics examinations?
The belief by members of the Society that mathematics is a difficult subject was adjudged as being responsible for
students’ mass failure as 90 out of 100 teachers (90%) and 266 out 400 students (66.5%) agreed. While 94 out of 100
teachers representing 94% and 296 out of 400 students representing 74% agreed that the mode of employment which
is not based on merit discouraged many serious students which in turn lead to students’ poor academic performance.

4.4 Question. 4
What are the views of teachers and students on the role of teachers as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC

                                                           82
Journal of Education and Practice                                                                     www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No.8, 2012

Mathematics examinations?
On the part of the teachers, 64 out of 100 teachers (64%) and 296 out of 400 students (74%) agreed that incompetent
handling of some difficult Mathematics topic by the teachers gives room for students Mass failure. Also, 68 out of
100 teachers representing 68% and 274 out of 400 students representing 68.5% see teachers poor method of teaching
as another factors that promotes mass failure while 70 out of 100 teachers representing 70% and 256 out of 400
students representing 64% agreed that non involvement of students in practical activities contributed to students mass
failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations.

4.5 Question. 5
What are the views of teachers and students on the role of government as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC
Mathematics examinations?
76 out of 100 teachers representing 76% and 284 out of 400 students representing 71% agreed that payment of poor
remuneration (salary & allowances) for teachers contributed greatly to students mass failure and 80 out of 100
teachers (80%) and 282 out of 400 students (70.5%) also agreed that lack of effective monitoring of teachers by the
government serve as a major factors for students mass failure in Mathematics. Also, 74 out of 100 teachers
representing 74% and 274 out of 400 students representing 68.5% agreed that government failure to employ adequate
number of Mathematics teachers led to students failure while 74 out of 100 teachers (74%) and 300 out of 400
students (75%) believed that government failure to ensure that the teaching of Mathematics is handled by experts in
Mathematics contributed to students mass failure

4.6 Question. 6
What are the views of teachers and students on the role of school as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC
Mathematics examinations?

On the School as a cause, 94 out of 100 teachers (94%) and 272 (68%) out of 400 students agreed that the practices
of not admitting students on merit and what they are mentally capable of studying contributed to their failure while
84 out 100 teachers (84%) and 296 out of 400 students (74%) also agreed that lack of enough Mathematics teachers
at primary school level to build a solid Mathematical foundation in the students served as one of the major causes of
students mass failure in Mathematics examinations.

4.7 Question. 7
What are the views of teachers and students on the role of examination bodies as a cause for mass failure in
NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations?

Considering the role of Examination bodies, 86 out of 100 teachers (86%) and 262 out of 400 students (65.5%)
agreed that leakage of examination questions contributed to students failure, and 88 out of 100 teachers (88%) and
264 out of 400 students (66%) agreed that the bribery and corruption on the part of supervisors also contributed to
students mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics Examinations.

5. Recommendations

Based on the findings of this research work, it is recommended that teachers should develop positive relationship
with students and stress classroom activities, that will involve active teaching-learning process and students’
participation in the class. Students should create enough time for personal practice of mathematics questions in order
for it to be part of them.
Secondary schools, faculties of education, state and federal Ministry of Education, professional bodies such as the
Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN), Science Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (STAN) and other
stakeholders in the education industry should organize periodic seminars and workshops for students, parents,
teachers and school administrators on the need to revival the perennial poor performance in Mathematics in
particular and the fallen standard of education in Nigeria in general.

REFERENCES

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Journal of Education and Practice                                                                     www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No.8, 2012

Adebule, S.O. (2004). Gender differences on a locally standardized anxiety rating scale in Mathematics for Nigeria
        Secondary School. Nigeria Journal of Counseling and Applied psychology 1(1) 22-29.
Ajagun, G.A. (2000). A study of the performance of students in the senior secondary school certificate examination in
        selected schools in Kano State. Tambori: Kano Journal of Education 6(1): 10-21.
Akpan, A.A. (1987). Correlation of mathematical problem – solving ability among secondary
         school students in the Cross River State of Nigeria. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, University of Ibadan.

Aremu, O. A & Sokan, B. O. (2003). A multi-causal evaluation of academic performance of Nigerian learners:
         issues and implications for national development. Department of Guidance and Counselling, University of
         Ibadan, Ibadan.
Ashikhia, D. A. (2010). Students and teachers’ perceptions of the causes of poor academic performance in Ogun
         state secondary schools (Nigeria): Implication for counseling for national development. Retrieved from
         http://www.eurojournal.com/ejss on august 28th, 2010.
Awokoya S.O. (1975). Relevance of science teaching to the needs of the community. Journal of STAN, 14(13):57-68.
Bolaji, C. (2005). A study of factors influencing students’ attitude towards Mathematics in the Junior secondary
         schools;     Mathematics     teaching    in    Nigeria.    Retrieved   on    March   25     2010     from
         http://www.2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/aern/bolajim.html
Fafunwa B. (1980). New Perspective in African Education. London and Basingstone: Macmillan.
Fajemidagba, M.O. (1986). Mathematical word problem solving: An
         analysis of errors committed by students. The Nigerian Journal of Guidance and Counseling 2 (i), 23-30.
Morakinyo, A. (2003). Relative efficacy of systematic desensitization, self statement monitoring and flooding on
         subjects test anxiety. Unpublished Phd. Thesis. University of Ibadan.
National        Mathematics       Centre,      Abuja.(2009).       Mathematics       improvement      Programme.
         www.nmcabuja.org/mathematics_improvement_programmes.html. Retrieved on 26th July 2010.
Nnaka, C.U. & Anaekwe, M.C.(2004). Application of Research Findings in Science, Technology and Mathematics
         (STM) Education to enhance Classroom instruction: the place of Cooperative Learning strategy. Science
         Teachers’ Asssociation of Nigeria Proceedings of the 45th Annual conference.
Ojerinde, D. (1998). Under Achievement in School Science in Nigeria: The way out. African Journal of Education
         1(1): 76-191.




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Journal of Education and Practice                                                                       www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No.8, 2012




Table 1. Trends of Students’ achievement in Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations in Mathematics
from 2006 – 2010.

Year                   No of Candidate              Pass at Credit         Ordinary Pass                  Fail (F9)
                          sat for the Exam              (A1-C6)             (D7-E8)

2006                     1,149,277              472,582                   357,310                    286,744
                                                (41.12%)                 (31.09%)                  (24.95%)

2007                     1,249,028              583,920              333,740               302,764
                                                 (46.75%)                  (26.72%)                  (24.24%)

2008                     1,268,213             726,398                302,266                  218,618
                                              (57.28%)               (23.83%)                  (17.24%)

2009                     1,348,528             634,382                344,635                  315,738
                                              (47.04%)               (25.56%)                 (23.41%)

2010                     1,306,535             548,065                363,920                   355,382
                                              (41.95%)               (27.85%)              (27.20%)

Source: Statistic Office WAEC, Lagos.



                            Trend s o f S tud ents’ ach ievement in S enior S eco ndary
                          C ertificate E xaminatio ns in Math ematics fro m 2006 – 2010.

                  70

                  60

                  50
    ec na e %
   Pr e t g ( )




                  40                                                                                         A 1-C6
                                                                                                             D7-E 8
                  30                                                                                         F9

                  20

                  10

                   0
                           2006              2007           2008           2009             2010
                                                            Ye a r



Figure 1: Graphical illustration of the trends of students’ achievement in Senior School Certificate
Examinations in Mathematics from 2006-2010



                                                               85
Journal of Education and Practice                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No.8, 2012


                                                                                                                         STUDENTS' FACTORS

                     120




                     100




                     80
  P R E T G (1 0 )
   E CNA E 0%




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           STUDENTS' AGREE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           STUDENTS' DISAGREE
                     60
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           TEACHERS' AGREE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           TEACHERS' DISAGREE


                     40




                     20




                       0
                           The belief that                      Lack of                        Hatred for the   The dislike for                                            Poor                              Negative            Laziness
                           mathematics                         frequent                        Mathematics      Mathematics                                             Mathematical                       Influence of
                            is a difficult                     practice                         Teachers                                                                background                         Peer groups
                               subject
                                                            FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENTS MASS FAILURE IN SSCE MATHS




Figure 2: Graphical illustration of teachers and students views on the role of students as a cause for mass
failure in SSC Mathematics Examinations.



                                                                                                                     PARENTAL'S FACTORS

                     100


                     90

                     80

                     70
  PRE T G ( 0%
   E C NA E 1 0 )




                     60
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           STUDENTS'   AGREE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           STUDENTS'   DISAGREE
                     50
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           TEACHERS'   AGREE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           TEACHERS'   DISAGREE
                     40

                     30


                     20

                     10

                       0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 n e e t su y
                                                                                                                                                          m du o t e
                                                                                              ma lec nes
                                   e c ua e e t




                                                                                                                                                                                            no e t f
                                    n o r g mn




                                                                                                                                                                                           e r lmn o
                                                                      e isr t n f
                                                                     Rg t aio o




                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Nnpo is n




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  e dd o t d
                                                                                                                                                                                                       c ilde in
                                                                                                                         e c es o




                                                                                                                                                           in f l f h




                                                                                                                                                                                   m aue
                                                                                               ir c e t r




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ah mt s
                                                                                                                                     a s h ir




                                                                                                                                                                                                                              o r v io

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          o an g
                                                                                                                                                wr sn t
                                                                                                                                                 ad o
                                                  b Pr ns




                                                                                                                                                                                                                    c o ls
                                                                                                                 r gf
                                                                                                                B in o
                                                                                     h rn t




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                mt e aic
                                                                                    Cilde a




                                                                                                                         t ah r t

                                                                                                                                    ps t e




                                                                                                                                                                                  I mt r




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       mt r ls
                                                                                                                                                                                                        h rn




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         f r le r in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   s ho
                                                   y ae t
                            ak f
                            Lc o




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        aeia
                                                                                                                  ib




                                                            FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENTS'MASS FAILURE IN SSCE MATHS




Figure 3: Graphical illustration of teachers and students views on the role of parents as a cause for
mass failure in SSC Mathematics Examinations.




                                                                                                                                                                             86
Journal of Education and Practice                                                                                                                                 www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No.8, 2012

                                                                                   SOCIETY'S FACTORS

                    100

                    90

                    80
  P R E T G ( 0%
   E C NA E1 0 )




                    70

                    60                                                                                                                            STUDENTS'   AGREE
                                                                                                                                                  STUDENTS'   DISAGREE
                    50
                                                                                                                                                  TEACHERS'   AGREE
                    40                                                                                                                            TEACHERS'   DISAGREE

                    30

                    20

                    10

                         0
                              Society does     Society belief        Society     The belief by   Employments     Lack of value    Encourage
                             not encourage           that          celebrates     members of     are based on    for education    distractions
                               hard work         whosoever       wealth instead the society that   whom you
                                                  that pass       of academic   Mathematics is know not what
                                                mathematics        excellence       difficult.     you know
                                               examination is                                        which
                                                 the brilliant                                    discourages
                                                     one                                               the
                                                                                                  seriousness
                                                                                                 and value for
                                                                                                   hard work.
                                              FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENTSMASS FAILURE IN SSCE MATHS




Figure 4: Graphical illustration of teachers and students views on the role of society as a cause for mass
failure in SSC Mathematics Examinations.



                                                                                  TEACHERS'        FACTORS

                    80


                    70


                    60
  PR E T G ( 0%
   E C NA E 1 0 )




                    50
                                                                                                                                                  STUDENTS'   AGREE
                                                                                                                                                  STUDENTS'   DISAGREE
                    40
                                                                                                                                                  TEACHERS'   AGREE
                                                                                                                                                  TEACHERS'   DISAGREE
                    30


                    20


                    10


                    0
                             The subject is    Incompetent        Unfriendly     Insufficient    Teachers do     Poor method     Non localizing
                               taught by        handling of       posture of     number of        not expose      of teaching        of the
                              unqualified      some difficult        some       Mathematics     their students                     contents.
                               teachers        Mathematics       Mathematics      teachers       to standard
                                                  topics           teachers                        questions
                                              FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENTSMASS FAILURE IN SSCE MATHS




Figure 5: Graphical illustration of teachers and students views on the role of teachers as a cause for mass
failure in SSC Mathematics Examinations.




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Journal of Education and Practice                                                                                                                                 www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online)
Vol 3, No.8, 2012

                                                                             GOVERNMENT'S FACTORS

                     90


                     80


                     70


                     60
  E C NA E %
  PRE T G ( )




                                                                                                                                                    STUDENTS' AGREE
                     50
                                                                                                                                                    STUDENTS' DISAGREE
                                                                                                                                                    TEACHERS' AGREE
                     40
                                                                                                                                                    TEACHERS' DISAGREE

                     30


                     20


                     10


                     0
                                 Occasional       Payment of poor   Low entrance age   Lack of effective   Failure to employ Failure to ensure
                              changes in policy    remuneration         to school        monitoring        adequate number that the teaching
                                by politicians      (salary) for                                            of Mathematics   of Mathematics is
                                                     teachers                                                   teachers        handled by
                                                                                                                                 experts in
                                                                                                                               mathematics.
                                            FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENTS MASS FAILURE INSSCE MATHS




Figure 6: Graphical illustration of teachers and students views on the role of government as a cause for
mass failure in SSC Mathematics Examinations.



                                                                                 SCHOOLS' FACTORS

                     100

                     90

                     80
  PR E T G ( 0% E




                     70
   E C NA E 1 0 )G




                     60
                                                                                                                                                    STUDENTS' AGREE
                                                                                                                                                    STUDENTS' DISAGREE
                     50
                                                                                                                                                    TEACHERS' AGREE
                                                                                                                                                    TEACHERS' DISAGREE
                     40

                     30

                     20

                     10

                          0
                                Student admission     Encourage students   Promotion from one       Lack of discipline in   Most primary schools
                                not based on merit      involvement in     class to another are      the school system           do not have
                                                         Examination           done without                                     Mathematics
                                                         malpractices         considering the                                teachers to build a
                                                                           ability of students in                              solid foundation
                                                                               Mathematics                                  Mathematically in the
                                                                                                                                   students
                                            FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENTS MASS FAILURE IN SSCE MATHS




Figure 7: Graphical illustration of teachers and students views on the role Schools as a cause for mass
failure in SSC Mathematics Examinations.
                                                                               EXAMINATIONS' BODIES

                     100


                     90


                     80


                     70
  PRET G ( 0%
  ECNAE10 )




                     60
                                                                                                                                                    STUDENTS' AGREE
                                                                                                                                                    STUDENTS' DISAGREE
                     50
                                                                                                                                                    TEACHERS' AGREE
                                                                                                                                                    TEACHERS' DISAGREE
                     40


                     30


                     20


                     10


                          0
                               Leakage of examination questions         Lack of good supervision of        Bribery and corruption on the part of
                                                                        Mathematics examinations                       supervisors.
                                            FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENTS MASS FAILURE IN SSCE MATHS




Figure 8: Graphical illustration of teachers and students views on the role of Examination’s Bodies as a
        cause for mass failure in SSC Mathematics Examinations.

                                                                                                      88
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Causes of mass failure in senior school certificate mathematics examinations

  • 1. Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol 3, No.8, 2012 Causes of Mass Failure in Senior School Certificate Mathematics Examinations As Viewed By Secondary School Teachers and Students in Ondo, Nigeria. DR (MRS.) SALMAN, M.F.1; DR MOHAMMED, A. S.2; DR. OGUNLADE A. A.1 AND AYINLA, J.O.1 1. Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria 2. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria. Correspondent Author’s E-mail salman_mf2005@yahoo.com Abstract The study examined the causes of Mass failure in Senior School Certificate Mathematics examinations as viewed by Secondary School Teachers and Students in Ondo, Nigeria. The Senior Secondary School teachers and students were involved as population for the study. 100 teachers and 400 Senior Secondary two students were purposively selected. The descriptive survey research was adopted for the study. The sampled teachers and students responded to researchers-prepared questionnaire titled “causes of students’ mass failure in SSCE mathematics examinations”. The causes considered were those by: Teachers, Students, Parents, Society, Government, School and Examination bodies. A sample of the items in the questionnaire include: lack of frequent practice by students, Poor mathematical background, laziness on the part of students and teachers, among others. The response scales are Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree and Strongly Disagree. Frequency counts and percentages were employed to answer the seven research questions generated. Findings indicated that 98% of teachers and 76% of students viewed laziness on the part of students as a major factor responsible for students’ mass failure in SSC Mathematics examinations while 97% of teachers and 79% of students viewed lack of frequent practice by students as another responsible factor for mass failure in Mathematics among others. The identified causes could be ameliorated through enhancing the teachers’ quality in terms of subject contents, providing them opportunities for further studies, attending seminars and workshops for update because their quality has significant role to play in teaching and learning of the subject. Keywords: Mass failure, Mathematics, Performance, examinations. 1. Introduction The performance of students in Senior Secondary Sciences in Nigeria has remained an issue of concern to all stake holders (Ajagun, 2000). The report by Ojerinde (1998) on the survey of the performance of candidates in science subjects in Nigeria over the years revealed a discernible decline. This perennial decline has remained a source of concern to science educators, mathematicians and mathematics educators (Nnaka and Anaekwe, 2004). The Senior School Certificate Mathematics Examinations referred to in this study are the Mathematics Examinations conducted by the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and the one conducted by the National Examination Council (NECO). Table1 shows the pattern of students’ achievement in Senior School Certificate Mathematics Examinations conducted by WAEC. The trend of achievement is for a period of five consecutive years (2006 – 2010). Students’ achievements in four years (2006, 2007, 200 and 2010) were below 50%. It was only in 2008 that student’s achievement was slightly above average. This has strong implications for the study of science subjects at institutions of higher learning. Figure 1 shows the graphical representation of students’ achievement in SSC mathematics examinations from 2006 – 2010. The bar chart shows the number and the trend of students that passed at credit level, ordinary pass, and failure respectively in each year considered. The height of the bars in 2008 further confirmed that the greatest achievement was recorded in that year. The abysmal achievement implies that in four consecutive years, less than 50% that made a credit pass in Mathematics are qualified to seek for admission into the University and other allied tertiary institutions. This is worrisome. Thus, the study sought the views of teachers and students on the causes of inadequate 79
  • 2. Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol 3, No.8, 2012 achievement in SSC mathematics examinations in Nigeria. 1.1 Purpose of the Study The main purpose of this study is to find out the causes of mass failure in mathematics as viewed by teachers and students in Ondo, Nigeria. 1.2 Research Questions The following research questions were raised to guide the conduct of the study. 1. What are the views of teachers and students on the role of students as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations? 2. What are the views of teachers and students on the role of parents as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations? 3. What are the views of teachers and students on the role of society as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations? 4. What are the views of teachers and students on the role of teachers as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations? 5. What are the views of teachers and students on the role of government as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations? 6. What are the views of teachers and students on the role of school as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations? 7. What are the views of teachers and students on the role of examination bodies as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations? 2.0 Literature Review Mathematics is the science of number and space and the language of science and technology. It is an essential requirement by every field of intellectual endeavour and human development to cope with the challenges of life. It is also described as the queen and servant of all school subjects, since it cuts across the school curricula (Fajemidagba, 1986; and Akpan, 1987).Mathematics as a school subject affects all aspects of human life at different degrees. For instance, mathematics is relevant in economics, political, geographical, scientific and technological aspects of man because it centered on the use of numbers which is an integral component of every aspect of knowledge. Other areas where the use of numbers is predominant include: statistics, accounts, arithmetic, engineering, and so on. For example the earliest civilization of mankind came through mathematical manipulations through the use of numbers. Mathematics is seen as the language used to describe the problems arising in most branches of science and technology. It is a subject that is related to other school subjects in areas like number and numeration, variation, graphs, fractions, logarithms and indices, algebraic processes, solution of equation and also in area and volume. Inspite of its importance, the performance of students in the subject has been a great concern to the society. Awokoya (1975) and Fafunwa (1980) revealed in their different research studies that everyone lives in a world where science and technology have become an integral part of the world culture, therefore for any nation to be relevant; it must not over look the importance of mathematics in her educational system.Adebule (2004) submitted that there is a consensus of opinion about the fallen standard of education in Nigeria. He further stated that parents and government are in total agreement that their huge investment on education is not yielding the desired dividend. Teachers also complain of students’ low performance at both internal and external examinations (Ashiaka, 2010). Aremu and Sokan (2003) submitted that the search for the causes of poor academic achievement in Mathematics is unending. Some of the factors identified by them are: motivational orientation, self-esteem/self efficacy, emotional problems, study habits, teacher consultation and poor interpersonal relationships among students. The National Mathematical Centre, Abuja (NMC, 2009), in an attempt to revamp Mathematics teaching and learning at Secondary Schools, has successfully researched into the causes and remedies for the abysmal failure in WAEC, SSCE and JAMB Mathematics examinations. It has discovered that poor performance in the promotion/public examinations in Mathematics has more to do with the teachers’ method of teaching than the content of curricular of the school Mathematics (NMC, 2009). It was this empirical background that necessitated and spurred the Center’s Mathematics 80
  • 3. Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol 3, No.8, 2012 Improvement Programme (MIP) project to create a new teaching methodology to enhance students’ performance in Mathematics. Bolaji (2005) in a study on the influence of students’ attitude towards Mathematics found that the teachers’ method of teaching and his personality greatly accounted for the students’ positive attitude towards Mathematics. The importance of location to a successful academic achievement cannot be overemphasized; where the school is located determines to a very large extent the patronage such a school will enjoy. Similarly, the entire unattractive physical structure of the school building could de-motivate learners to achieve academically. This is what Isangedighi (1998) refers to as learner’s environment mismatch. According to him, this promotes poor academic performance.The means or strategies employed by teachers in an attempt to impact knowledge to the learners are referred to as methodology which is another factor that could influence the students’ academic performance. Sometimes when a teacher teaches and at the end of the lesson, evaluation is carried out and it is discovered that students are unable to carry out the behavioural or instructional objectives, what the teacher needs to do is to examine his teaching methods rather than looking at students as the cause. Most untrained teachers point accusing fingers on students rather than on themselves when the students are unable to carry out the expected behaviour at the end of the lesson or in examinations. Therefore, teachers planning should include: I. Choice of appropriate teaching material II. Choice of appropriate teaching method III. Intensive research on the topic to be taught IV. Determination of the objectives for the lesson generally, peer group means a group of equals. Sociologists apply it to groups made up of persons who are of the same age and often to groups of children or of adolescents. Peer group play a normal part in the process of socialization as they provide experiences to those who are growing up, a type that are not available in their own families. The adolescents take solace in interacting with their peers and they prefer to keep longer time with their peers than their parents. The peer group therefore has tremendous influence on the adolescent’s pattern of behavior especially on their interests, attitudes, value system, emotional expressions, and interaction patterns and so on. However, the peer group’s norms/standards in many cases may run foul to that of the community or society at large. Thus, when an adolescent fall into a bad group, the chances are high that his/her social behavior would change for bad rather than for good, which can influence his/her academic performance negatively. 3.0 Methodology 3.1 Research Type The study adopted descriptive survey type using frequency count and percentage for the analysis 3.2 Sampling Technique The target population comprised of senior secondary two (SS2) students and their teachers in both public and private secondary schools in Ondo town of Ondo state, Nigeria. A total of 400 SS 2 students and 100 teachers were selected from four secondary schools by stratified random sampling technique (100 Students and 25 teachers each of 2 Public Schools and 2 Private schools disrespectful of gender and field of study). The reason for selecting these variables was because the teacher and the students are the major stake holders in teaching and learning processes. 3.3 Data Collection procedure Two private and two public secondary schools were randomly selected for the purpose of this study. The researchers went to the principals of the selected senior secondary schools and sought for the permission to t administer the questionnaire in their schools. After getting the approval, the researchers proceeded to the senior school 2 mathematics teachers of each selected schools for briefing and discussion after which the questionnaire was handed over to them for administration to all S S 2 students and all the teachers in their various school. The researchers then 81
  • 4. Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol 3, No.8, 2012 went back to each school the third day for collection of the filled questionnaire. . 3.4 Research Instrument The main Instrument used for this study was a researchers-designed questionnaire on teachers and students’ views on the causes of students’ mass failure in senior school certificate( SSC) Mathematics examinations. The questionnaire contains two (2) sections; section A sought information on personal data of the respondents and section B contains seven (7) probable causes of mass failure in SSC mathematics examinations. Such include: Students’ cause( 7 items); Parent’s cause ( 9 items); Societal cause ( 7 items); Teachers ‘cause ( 8 items); Government cause ( 6 items); Schools’ cause ( 5 items); and Examinations bodies’ cause ( 3 items) that require responses of alternative options from the respondents.The response scales are: strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree and strongly Disagree. In all, the questionnaire contains forty-five (45) items seeking information about the causes of students’ mass failure in SSC Mathematics examinations. 4. Results The seven research questions raise for this study were answered using frequency count and percentage. 4.1 Question. 1 What are the views of teachers and students on the role of students as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations? On the role of Students as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC mathematics examinations 96 out of 100 teachers representing 96% and 314 out 400 students representing 78.5% agreed that students’ lack of frequent practice accounted for mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations. While 94 out of 100 teachers representing 94% and 242 out of 400 students representing 60.5% accepted that poor Mathematical background of the students lead to mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations. Also, 98 out of 100 teachers representing 98% and 284 out 400 students representing 71% submitted that students Laziness served as a major reason for mass failure in NECO/WAEC mathematics examinations. 4.2 Question. 2 What are the views of teachers and students on the role of parents as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations? On Parents as a cause for Students mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations, 88 out of 100 teachers representing 88% and 288 out of 400 students representing 72% agreed that Parental influence on Children career choice lead to failure in examinations while 86 out of 100 teachers representing 86% and 254 out 400 students representing 63.5% agreed that undeserved admission to schools serve as a major cause for students mass failure. 80 out of 100 teachers representing 80% and 258 out of 400 students representing 64.5% also agreed that parent’s failure to provide their wards with adequate materials for learning mathematics lead to poor academic performance in the subject.. 4.3 Question. 3 What are the views of teachers and students on the role of society as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations? The belief by members of the Society that mathematics is a difficult subject was adjudged as being responsible for students’ mass failure as 90 out of 100 teachers (90%) and 266 out 400 students (66.5%) agreed. While 94 out of 100 teachers representing 94% and 296 out of 400 students representing 74% agreed that the mode of employment which is not based on merit discouraged many serious students which in turn lead to students’ poor academic performance. 4.4 Question. 4 What are the views of teachers and students on the role of teachers as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC 82
  • 5. Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol 3, No.8, 2012 Mathematics examinations? On the part of the teachers, 64 out of 100 teachers (64%) and 296 out of 400 students (74%) agreed that incompetent handling of some difficult Mathematics topic by the teachers gives room for students Mass failure. Also, 68 out of 100 teachers representing 68% and 274 out of 400 students representing 68.5% see teachers poor method of teaching as another factors that promotes mass failure while 70 out of 100 teachers representing 70% and 256 out of 400 students representing 64% agreed that non involvement of students in practical activities contributed to students mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations. 4.5 Question. 5 What are the views of teachers and students on the role of government as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations? 76 out of 100 teachers representing 76% and 284 out of 400 students representing 71% agreed that payment of poor remuneration (salary & allowances) for teachers contributed greatly to students mass failure and 80 out of 100 teachers (80%) and 282 out of 400 students (70.5%) also agreed that lack of effective monitoring of teachers by the government serve as a major factors for students mass failure in Mathematics. Also, 74 out of 100 teachers representing 74% and 274 out of 400 students representing 68.5% agreed that government failure to employ adequate number of Mathematics teachers led to students failure while 74 out of 100 teachers (74%) and 300 out of 400 students (75%) believed that government failure to ensure that the teaching of Mathematics is handled by experts in Mathematics contributed to students mass failure 4.6 Question. 6 What are the views of teachers and students on the role of school as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations? On the School as a cause, 94 out of 100 teachers (94%) and 272 (68%) out of 400 students agreed that the practices of not admitting students on merit and what they are mentally capable of studying contributed to their failure while 84 out 100 teachers (84%) and 296 out of 400 students (74%) also agreed that lack of enough Mathematics teachers at primary school level to build a solid Mathematical foundation in the students served as one of the major causes of students mass failure in Mathematics examinations. 4.7 Question. 7 What are the views of teachers and students on the role of examination bodies as a cause for mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics examinations? Considering the role of Examination bodies, 86 out of 100 teachers (86%) and 262 out of 400 students (65.5%) agreed that leakage of examination questions contributed to students failure, and 88 out of 100 teachers (88%) and 264 out of 400 students (66%) agreed that the bribery and corruption on the part of supervisors also contributed to students mass failure in NECO/WAEC Mathematics Examinations. 5. Recommendations Based on the findings of this research work, it is recommended that teachers should develop positive relationship with students and stress classroom activities, that will involve active teaching-learning process and students’ participation in the class. Students should create enough time for personal practice of mathematics questions in order for it to be part of them. Secondary schools, faculties of education, state and federal Ministry of Education, professional bodies such as the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN), Science Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (STAN) and other stakeholders in the education industry should organize periodic seminars and workshops for students, parents, teachers and school administrators on the need to revival the perennial poor performance in Mathematics in particular and the fallen standard of education in Nigeria in general. REFERENCES 83
  • 6. Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol 3, No.8, 2012 Adebule, S.O. (2004). Gender differences on a locally standardized anxiety rating scale in Mathematics for Nigeria Secondary School. Nigeria Journal of Counseling and Applied psychology 1(1) 22-29. Ajagun, G.A. (2000). A study of the performance of students in the senior secondary school certificate examination in selected schools in Kano State. Tambori: Kano Journal of Education 6(1): 10-21. Akpan, A.A. (1987). Correlation of mathematical problem – solving ability among secondary school students in the Cross River State of Nigeria. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, University of Ibadan. Aremu, O. A & Sokan, B. O. (2003). A multi-causal evaluation of academic performance of Nigerian learners: issues and implications for national development. Department of Guidance and Counselling, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Ashikhia, D. A. (2010). Students and teachers’ perceptions of the causes of poor academic performance in Ogun state secondary schools (Nigeria): Implication for counseling for national development. Retrieved from http://www.eurojournal.com/ejss on august 28th, 2010. Awokoya S.O. (1975). Relevance of science teaching to the needs of the community. Journal of STAN, 14(13):57-68. Bolaji, C. (2005). A study of factors influencing students’ attitude towards Mathematics in the Junior secondary schools; Mathematics teaching in Nigeria. Retrieved on March 25 2010 from http://www.2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/aern/bolajim.html Fafunwa B. (1980). New Perspective in African Education. London and Basingstone: Macmillan. Fajemidagba, M.O. (1986). Mathematical word problem solving: An analysis of errors committed by students. The Nigerian Journal of Guidance and Counseling 2 (i), 23-30. Morakinyo, A. (2003). Relative efficacy of systematic desensitization, self statement monitoring and flooding on subjects test anxiety. Unpublished Phd. Thesis. University of Ibadan. National Mathematics Centre, Abuja.(2009). Mathematics improvement Programme. www.nmcabuja.org/mathematics_improvement_programmes.html. Retrieved on 26th July 2010. Nnaka, C.U. & Anaekwe, M.C.(2004). Application of Research Findings in Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) Education to enhance Classroom instruction: the place of Cooperative Learning strategy. Science Teachers’ Asssociation of Nigeria Proceedings of the 45th Annual conference. Ojerinde, D. (1998). Under Achievement in School Science in Nigeria: The way out. African Journal of Education 1(1): 76-191. 84
  • 7. Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol 3, No.8, 2012 Table 1. Trends of Students’ achievement in Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations in Mathematics from 2006 – 2010. Year No of Candidate Pass at Credit Ordinary Pass Fail (F9) sat for the Exam (A1-C6) (D7-E8) 2006 1,149,277 472,582 357,310 286,744 (41.12%) (31.09%) (24.95%) 2007 1,249,028 583,920 333,740 302,764 (46.75%) (26.72%) (24.24%) 2008 1,268,213 726,398 302,266 218,618 (57.28%) (23.83%) (17.24%) 2009 1,348,528 634,382 344,635 315,738 (47.04%) (25.56%) (23.41%) 2010 1,306,535 548,065 363,920 355,382 (41.95%) (27.85%) (27.20%) Source: Statistic Office WAEC, Lagos. Trend s o f S tud ents’ ach ievement in S enior S eco ndary C ertificate E xaminatio ns in Math ematics fro m 2006 – 2010. 70 60 50 ec na e % Pr e t g ( ) 40 A 1-C6 D7-E 8 30 F9 20 10 0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Ye a r Figure 1: Graphical illustration of the trends of students’ achievement in Senior School Certificate Examinations in Mathematics from 2006-2010 85
  • 8. Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol 3, No.8, 2012 STUDENTS' FACTORS 120 100 80 P R E T G (1 0 ) E CNA E 0% STUDENTS' AGREE STUDENTS' DISAGREE 60 TEACHERS' AGREE TEACHERS' DISAGREE 40 20 0 The belief that Lack of Hatred for the The dislike for Poor Negative Laziness mathematics frequent Mathematics Mathematics Mathematical Influence of is a difficult practice Teachers background Peer groups subject FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENTS MASS FAILURE IN SSCE MATHS Figure 2: Graphical illustration of teachers and students views on the role of students as a cause for mass failure in SSC Mathematics Examinations. PARENTAL'S FACTORS 100 90 80 70 PRE T G ( 0% E C NA E 1 0 ) 60 STUDENTS' AGREE STUDENTS' DISAGREE 50 TEACHERS' AGREE TEACHERS' DISAGREE 40 30 20 10 0 n e e t su y m du o t e ma lec nes e c ua e e t no e t f n o r g mn e r lmn o e isr t n f Rg t aio o Nnpo is n e dd o t d c ilde in e c es o in f l f h m aue ir c e t r ah mt s a s h ir o r v io o an g wr sn t ad o b Pr ns c o ls r gf B in o h rn t mt e aic Cilde a t ah r t ps t e I mt r mt r ls h rn f r le r in s ho y ae t ak f Lc o aeia ib FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENTS'MASS FAILURE IN SSCE MATHS Figure 3: Graphical illustration of teachers and students views on the role of parents as a cause for mass failure in SSC Mathematics Examinations. 86
  • 9. Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol 3, No.8, 2012 SOCIETY'S FACTORS 100 90 80 P R E T G ( 0% E C NA E1 0 ) 70 60 STUDENTS' AGREE STUDENTS' DISAGREE 50 TEACHERS' AGREE 40 TEACHERS' DISAGREE 30 20 10 0 Society does Society belief Society The belief by Employments Lack of value Encourage not encourage that celebrates members of are based on for education distractions hard work whosoever wealth instead the society that whom you that pass of academic Mathematics is know not what mathematics excellence difficult. you know examination is which the brilliant discourages one the seriousness and value for hard work. FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENTSMASS FAILURE IN SSCE MATHS Figure 4: Graphical illustration of teachers and students views on the role of society as a cause for mass failure in SSC Mathematics Examinations. TEACHERS' FACTORS 80 70 60 PR E T G ( 0% E C NA E 1 0 ) 50 STUDENTS' AGREE STUDENTS' DISAGREE 40 TEACHERS' AGREE TEACHERS' DISAGREE 30 20 10 0 The subject is Incompetent Unfriendly Insufficient Teachers do Poor method Non localizing taught by handling of posture of number of not expose of teaching of the unqualified some difficult some Mathematics their students contents. teachers Mathematics Mathematics teachers to standard topics teachers questions FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENTSMASS FAILURE IN SSCE MATHS Figure 5: Graphical illustration of teachers and students views on the role of teachers as a cause for mass failure in SSC Mathematics Examinations. 87
  • 10. Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol 3, No.8, 2012 GOVERNMENT'S FACTORS 90 80 70 60 E C NA E % PRE T G ( ) STUDENTS' AGREE 50 STUDENTS' DISAGREE TEACHERS' AGREE 40 TEACHERS' DISAGREE 30 20 10 0 Occasional Payment of poor Low entrance age Lack of effective Failure to employ Failure to ensure changes in policy remuneration to school monitoring adequate number that the teaching by politicians (salary) for of Mathematics of Mathematics is teachers teachers handled by experts in mathematics. FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENTS MASS FAILURE INSSCE MATHS Figure 6: Graphical illustration of teachers and students views on the role of government as a cause for mass failure in SSC Mathematics Examinations. SCHOOLS' FACTORS 100 90 80 PR E T G ( 0% E 70 E C NA E 1 0 )G 60 STUDENTS' AGREE STUDENTS' DISAGREE 50 TEACHERS' AGREE TEACHERS' DISAGREE 40 30 20 10 0 Student admission Encourage students Promotion from one Lack of discipline in Most primary schools not based on merit involvement in class to another are the school system do not have Examination done without Mathematics malpractices considering the teachers to build a ability of students in solid foundation Mathematics Mathematically in the students FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENTS MASS FAILURE IN SSCE MATHS Figure 7: Graphical illustration of teachers and students views on the role Schools as a cause for mass failure in SSC Mathematics Examinations. EXAMINATIONS' BODIES 100 90 80 70 PRET G ( 0% ECNAE10 ) 60 STUDENTS' AGREE STUDENTS' DISAGREE 50 TEACHERS' AGREE TEACHERS' DISAGREE 40 30 20 10 0 Leakage of examination questions Lack of good supervision of Bribery and corruption on the part of Mathematics examinations supervisors. FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR STUDENTS MASS FAILURE IN SSCE MATHS Figure 8: Graphical illustration of teachers and students views on the role of Examination’s Bodies as a cause for mass failure in SSC Mathematics Examinations. 88
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