Factors That Affect Students’ Performance In Mathematics In Selected Secondary Schools In Bondo District Nyanza Province - Kenya

ABSTRACT

The major purpose of the study was to determine Gender mathematics concepts’

perception and its effects on academic performance of students in selected secondary

schools in Bondo District Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to investigate

the relationship between girls’ attitude and performance in mathematics, Investigate the

relationship between teachers’ attitudes and students’ performance in mathematics,

Determine the relationship between the curriculum and performance of girls in chemistry,

Determine the relationship between over crowded classes and performance of girls in

mathematics. The methods used for data collection were questionnaires to the students

and interviews with the teachers. The study revealed that few girls enjoy mathematics

because they think that mathematics is hard and meant for boys who are clever. The study

found out that teachers’ attitude towards girls’ performance in mathematics also affected

their performance. The study also revealed that overcrowded classes contributed to poor

performance of girls in mathematics. Finally the study revealed that the curriculum was

too heavy for girls to handle and therefore performed poorly in mathematics. The government should construct facilities at school for mathematics teachers to teach in a

conducive environment in order to aid the better performance of mathematics in their schools.

The government should have a policy in place that encourages the taking up of mathematics subject especially to the female students who at times think they are not

good enough for the subject. The girl students should be encouraged to relate equally with their fellow boy students in all subjects regardless of whether it is mathematics or not.