Abstract
The study sought to assess factors affecting teaching and learning of mathematics in some selected senior high schools (SHS) in Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A descriptive survey was the research design used for the study. In all, a total of 90 respondents; made up of 10 SHS mathematics teachers and 80 SHS elective mathematics students were selected from five (5) SHS in the Metropolis. A purposive sampling technique of the non-probability sampling procedure was used to select the respondents for the study. Data obtained were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods. It was revealed that lack of mathematics laboratories/practical rooms; lack/inadequate mathematics practical activities and the use of lecture method in teaching mathematics were the three (3) major factors affecting SHS students in the learning of mathematics in the selected schools. Again, it was observed that lack of TLMs; heavy workload on mathematics teachers and lack of mathematics laboratories/practical rooms were three (3) major factors affecting mathematics teachers in the teaching of mathematics. Finally, it was revealed that provision and use of appropriate TLMs in teaching mathematics; and engaging students in hands-on and minds-on oriented lessons were some of the strategies that could be used to improve SHS students’ academic performance in mathematics. It was therefore, recommended that Government of Ghana and other stakeholders in SHS education should build mathematics laboratories/practical rooms in all SHS in the country and also equip them with requisite TLMs so that students can learn mathematics in more practical-oriented manner instead theoretical approach being used in senior high schools.
Highlights
According to Stephen (2009), mathematics is the mother or queen of all sciences and that it is a science that deals with the logic of shape, quantity and arrangement of things or events
79 students representing 98.8% mentioned lack of good learning materials; 78 students representing 97.5% stated lack of furniture and space in classrooms; 77 students representing 96.3% indicated students’ fear of mathematics subject; 76 students representing 95.0% lack of parental support whereas 71 students representing 88.8% opined unavailability of relevant mathematics textbooks are some of the factors affecting SHS students learning of mathematics in the school
Lack of good learning materials; students’ fear of mathematics subject; lack of parental support; unavailability of relevant mathematics textbooks; difficulty topics in mathematics; and abusive language used by teachers during teaching were other factors affecting SHS students learning of mathematics
Summary
According to Stephen (2009), mathematics is the mother or queen of all sciences and that it is a science that deals with the logic of shape, quantity and arrangement of things or events. The study added that mathematics is all around us; and it is the building block for everything that we do. These human mathematical activities are demonstrated right from the childhood of an individual. Abubakar (1980) opined that mathematics is the foundation of all science and very embodiment of precision and brevity. This implies that the importance of mathematics in the life of a student cannot be overemphasised. Studies conducted in Ghanaian SHS over the years by (Mitchell Group, 2009; Buabeng, Owusu & Ntow, 2014; Appiahene, Opoku, Akweittey, Adoba & Kwarteng, 2014) have posited that mathematics has
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
