Learners’ performance in Mathematics: A case study of public high schools, South Africa

Abstract

Mathematics is fundamental to national prosperity in providing tools for understanding science, technology, engineering and economics. It is essential in public decision-making and for participation in the knowledge economy. Mathematics equips pupils with uniquely powerful ways to describe, analyse and change the world. It can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder for all pupils when they solve a problem for the first time, discover a more elegant solution, or notice hidden connections. This study investigated a societal problemthe ongoing poor performance in mathematics. The study described what is going on by means of statistical methods and reported in statistical language and hence, descriptive quantitative research paradigm infused with content analysis (cartoons) was adopted. The sample for the study comprised of a total of ten underperforming (failing) secondary schools obtained by simple random sampling; 50 Grade 12 mathematics educators and 200 Grade 12 mathematics learners were derived through stratified sampling technique.

Broadening Educational Pathways to Stem Education Through Online Teaching and Learning During Covid-19: Teachers’ Perspectives

“…The 2015 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) painted a gloomy picture about the overall performance of South African grades five and nine learners in mathematics and science. Mapaire (2016) argues that promulgated educational policies are not responsive to the critical need to improve learner performance in mathematics in South Africa.…”

Influence of Instructional Resources Provision and Performance in Mathematics Subject in Public Girls Secondary Schools Baringo Central Sub-County

“…Unfortunately, at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education, learners' performance in this essential subject for many years has not been promising in Ghana and especially for girls (Enu, Agyman & Nkum, 2015). In South Africa, Mapaire (2016) reported that learners' performance in mathematics in public schools was poor. In Kenya, the Mathematics subject is used as an elementary entry necessity in most valued courses like medicine, engineering and architecture amongst other degree programs (Apondi, 2015).…”