The Effect of Time Variables as Predictors of Senior Secondary School Students' Mathematical Performance Department of Mathematics Education Freetown Polytechnic

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of time variables as predictors of senior secondary school students' mathematical performance in Kossoh Town, Western Rural. The time variables considered in this study included the time of day when the math test was administered, the amount of time spent studying math outside of school, and the time of year when the test was taken. A sample of 250 Senior Secondary School Students from different public schools participated in the study. They were administered a standardized math test at three different times of the day (morning, afternoon, and evening), and their scores were recorded. Additionally, the students were asked to report the amount of time they spent studying math outside of school and the time of year when they took the test. The results of the study indicated that the performance of girls in the mathematics tests varied depending on the time of the day and their age group. The highest pass rates were observed in the morning and the lowest in the evening. Additionally, older girls and boys (above 20) generally had lower pass rates compared to younger age groups. This means time variables had a significant impact on the students' mathematical performance. Furthermore Students who took the test in the morning scored higher on average compared to those who took the test in the afternoon or evening. Additionally, students who reported studying math outside of school for a longer period of time had higher scores on the test. Finally, students who took the test later in the school year scored higher compared to those who took the test earlier in the year. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that time variables play a crucial role in predicting Senior Secondary School.