Abstract
This paper was intended to access factors affecting teaching and learning mathematics in Assosa University faculty of Natural and Computational Science (NCS) students. The research method used for study was descriptive survey and supported by qualitatively. The respondents the study were all NCS students (except Biology and Sport science students) and all mathematics instructors. The main purpose of the study was to determine the factors that affect teaching and learning mathematics. Some instruments like questionnaire, focus group discussion (FGD) and interview were employed for data collection. The questionnaires were filled by 80 students and 16 instructors. Furthermore, the researcher held FGD with all one-to-five network group leaders of each section students and all instructors. For interview, 7 students (representatives of each section) and 5 instructors were interviewed. Thus, the findings indicate that demographic, instructional strategies and methods and individual factors affect teaching and learning mathematics. Among these factors instructional strategies and methods was the first most influential factor in teaching and learning mathematics. The second and the third most influential factors are individual and demographic factors respectively. Most respondents have a problem of language, income, arithmetic ability, background knowledge and confidence to understand mathematical concepts. The other main finding was there are no enough materials and facilities in the university for teaching and learning mathematics. But, availability of enough materials and facilities in the university were a factor for teaching and learning mathematics. Finally, based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that students need to be equipped with necessary background knowledge, arithmetic ability and they should developed confidence in mathematics. So, concerned bodies of the university should give a valve able support concerning each factor to increase students’ performance in teaching and learning mathematics.
Highlights
IntroductionMathematics is the subject that recognized as the mother of all learning with other subjects deriving their concepts from it, in both arts and sciences
As can be seen from the above figure the result obtained from the respondents revealed that the most influential demographic factor is language problem 141(mean, 3.53) to understand mathematical concepts
In general this study revealed that, there are many factors that affect learning mathematics at Assosa University in natural and computational science students
Summary
Mathematics is the subject that recognized as the mother of all learning with other subjects deriving their concepts from it, in both arts and sciences. It is an international language and is essential in almost every field, such as handling money, measurements in fashion and carpentry, technical economics, etc. Mathematics is a way of thinking and organizing a logical proof. It can be used to determine whether or not an idea is true, or at least, whether it is probably true as a way of thinking, as it gives insight into the power of human mind and becomes a challenge to intellectual curiosity. A good performance in mathematics is important. (Oseiwu Ali, 2013)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callMore From: International Journal of Education, Culture and Society
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
