Strengthening Of Mathematics and Sciences in Secondary School Education (Smasse) and Mathematics Performance in Selected Secondary Schools in Makueni District- Kenya

ABSTRACT 

The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between Strengthening of Mathematics in Secondary school Education (SMASSE) and students’ performance in mathematics in selected public secondary schools in Makueni district. The study was conducted utilizing a sample drawn from 15 public secondary in Makueni district. All the 50 mathematics teachers from the schools were used in the study. The study employed a descriptive correlational research design and used questionnaires, and observation schedule for data collection. The data collected was analyzed by use of; means, percentages and reported using frequency distribution tables. Further the relationship between the variables was analyzed by use of Pearson’s correlation constant and Regression analysis. It was established that SMASSE methodologies and students’ mathematics performance were positively correlated. There after recommendations are made that, the Kenya government should ensure sustainability of the INSET, the universities and teacher training adopt the SMASSE INSET curriculum innovation in their teaching. Finally suggestions for further research were made, either a replica of this study to cover a larger sample, to find out the impact of SMASSE INSET in other parts of the country, an experimental research be done on districts which use SMASSE methodologies and those which do not use.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

One ThE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 3

Purpose of the Study 4

Research ObjectIves 4

Research Questions 5

Hypothesis 5

Scope 5

Significance of the Study 6

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 7

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 8

Introduction 8

Concepts, Opinions, Ideas from Authors/Experts 8

Theoretical Perspectives 10

Related Studies 13

Three METHODOLOGY 18

Research Design 18

Research Population 18

sample size 18

Sampling Procedures 19

Instruments 19

Validity and ReliabilIty i~

Data Gathering Procedures 20

Data Analysis 20

Ethical Considerations 21

Limitations 21

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 22

FIVE FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 33

Findings 33

Conclusions 36

Recommendations 37

References 39

Appendices 41

Appendix I- Transmittal letter 41

Appendix IV- Research Instrument 42

Researcher’s CurricuIum Vitae 47