Factors Responsible for the Poor Performance of Girls in Mathematics, A Case Study of Barwessa Zone Baringo District, Kenya

ABSTRACT

This study was a description cross-sectional design aimed at determining the factors affecting girls' poor performance in maths in the Barwessa zone as being an illustrative example. My objectives were; To determine why the performance of girls in mathematics in primary schools is poor and To determine possible ways for nurturing mathematics-solving problem attitudes in pupils to improve their performance. To determine possible ways of developing intellectual abilities and skills in critical thinking among girls. The exercise was conducted in the month of July 2007 and covered all the schools. A simple random technique was used in data collection and the tools deployed were validated questionnaires and interviews. It was to comprise the factors that affect girls’ performance in the Barwessa division. Based on the findings poor performance in maths has greatly affected the potentiality of women in the job market. This is because, in the present age, we do not find any vocation that does not need the knowledge of maths, eg medicine, engineering etc. so girls in primary schools should be encouraged to have positive attitudes towards maths subject to brighten their future. In the area of study among the schools, girls were performing poorly in the subject compared to boys. I wish to recommend that the teachers should encourage girls to have a positive attitude towards the subject. Also, the ministry of education should emphasise to teachers to encourage the girls and motivate the especially in maths by rewarding good performance. Both government and NGO’s should sensitize and awareness building activities to enable society to do away with cultural beliefs