STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE CLASSROOM SITUATION IN TEACHING AND LEARNING MATHEMATICS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EBONYI STATE

Abstract

This study focused on strategies to improve classroom situation in teaching and learning mathematics in secondary schools. Seventy-one (71) Secondary school mathematics teachers and five hundred and fifty six senior (565) secondary school students were used for the study. Five research questions and two hypotheses were developed to guide the study. The study was descriptive survey designed that made use of 56 items questionnaire of five points rating. The data obtained from the respondents were analyzed and results showed that; mathematics teacher are always ready to teach while mathematics students/learners most a times were not prepared to study mathematics. The study discovered that there is total lack of mathematics teaching materials in all secondary schools in State and that most teachers use ineffective or inappropriate methods and materials in teaching and learning of mathematics.  Z-test statistics on the two hypothesis showed that there is no significant difference on the opinion of both teachers and students and that of urban and rural respondents on the strategies to improve classroom situation in teaching and learning mathematics in secondary schools in the state. The researcher recommended among other measures use of learner centered method of teaching such as demonstration method, practical/laboratory method and mathematics teachers are to set-inducting their students before and during teaching and learning of mathematics. He also want Government to provide enough teaching aid/materials for the teaching and learning of mathematics with regular workshops, seminars and conferences for secondary school mathematics teachers.