Project Abstract

Abstract
The effective teaching and learning of mathematics in junior secondary schools have been a topic of concern due to various problems that hinder students' understanding and performance in the subject. This study aimed to identify and analyze the key issues militating against the successful teaching and learning of mathematics in junior secondary schools. The research utilized a mixed-methods approach to gather data, including surveys, interviews, and classroom observations. The findings revealed several challenges faced by both teachers and students in the teaching and learning of mathematics. Among the prominent issues identified were inadequate teacher training and professional development in mathematics education, leading to teachers' lack of confidence and proficiency in delivering the subject content effectively. Furthermore, the study highlighted the lack of appropriate instructional materials and resources as a significant barrier to effective mathematics teaching and learning. Many junior secondary schools lacked access to modern teaching aids, textbooks, and technology that could enhance students' engagement and understanding of mathematical concepts. In addition, the research identified student-related factors such as low motivation, negative attitudes towards mathematics, and poor foundational knowledge as obstacles to successful learning outcomes in the subject. Students' fear of mathematics, coupled with a lack of interest and relevance perceived in the subject, contributed to their struggles in comprehending mathematical principles and solving problems. Moreover, the study examined the influence of classroom environment and teaching strategies on students' learning experiences in mathematics. Issues such as large class sizes, limited interaction between teachers and students, and traditional rote-learning approaches were found to impede students' active participation and critical thinking in mathematics lessons. In conclusion, the effective teaching and learning of mathematics in junior secondary schools face multifaceted challenges that require comprehensive interventions at the policy, school, and classroom levels. Addressing issues such as teacher training, provision of adequate resources, promoting student motivation and engagement, and implementing innovative teaching strategies are crucial steps towards improving mathematics education outcomes in junior secondary schools. By understanding and addressing the problems militating against effective mathematics instruction, educators and policymakers can work towards enhancing students' mathematical proficiency and fostering a positive learning environment in junior secondary schools.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Mathematics is a pure science that requires intellectual activity in calculation designed to discover information about the world. It is one of the core subject recommended in the national policy on education at both primary and post primary education. This suggests the importance attached to mathematics whose knowledge is required by every member of the society in view of it’s usefulness in day-to-day activities. The general aims of mathematics based on mathematics conference held in Kaduna in 1998, identified the following aims:- (1) To help students develop a belief in the value of mathematics and it’s usefulness to them. (2) To nurture confidence in their own mathematical ability. (3) To foster a sense of personal achievement, and to encourage a continuity and creative interest in mathematics. (4) To develop in student’s skills, concepts, understanding and attitude, which will enable them to cope confidentially with mathematics of everyday life. (5) To develop a variety of approaches to solving problems involving mathematics and to develop the ability to think and reason logically. (6) To assist students to achieve the mathematical and statistical literacy needed in the society, which is technologically oriented and information rich. (7) To provide a foundation for those students who may wish to continue studies in mathematics or other learning areas where mathematical concepts are central. (8) To help to foster and develop mathematical talent in students and finally; (9) To induce or build into students the ability to think creatively, critically, strategically and logically. The achievement of these objectives at the junior secondary school would serve as foundation or preparatory knowledge, especially for those wishing to study engineering, medicine, agriculture, science and technology at institutes of higher learning and in dealing with other science subjects like physic and chemistry in senior secondary school that is why mathematics is made compulsory for every student in junior secondary in Nigeria, this made it an inevitable subject. According to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (2000), Mathematics is a science of number and shape, which includes as its main division, geometry, arithmetic, algebra and trigonometry. Mathematics is a science of structures, order and relations that has evolved from elemental practice of counting, measuring and describing the shapes of objects. Encyclopeadia Britannia (1994). Mathematics is the study of measurement, properties and relationship of quantities and sets, using numbers and symbols. American Heritage Dictionary (2000). According to Walfram math world (1995), Mathematics is a board ranging field of study in, which the properties and interaction of idealized objects are examined. Mathematics is the language of the universe Smith (1996). Because our universe is mathematically designed, Umar (1995), conceptualized mathematics as a language, which provides an indispensible means of investigating the nature of things particularly those, which are dealt with in the field of science. He pointed out that every field of science and technology has some substantial mathematical content though of different degrees. In support of the above, Ezeilo (1981), noted that there can be no real technological development without a corresponding development in mathematics both as conceived and at practiced. The teaching of mathematics in junior secondary school exposes students to a mathematical world, and it wonders, thus laying a solid foundation for them. Umoinyang (1997), referred to mathematics as the foundation for science without, which a nation can never be prosperous and economically independent. He further noted that competence in mathematics provides many of the opportunity for career choice and production of highly defined personnel required by industry, technology, science and education. For more than two thousand years, mathematics has been a part of human search for understanding