Table of Content
Cover Page ............................................................................................ .i
Declaration .......................................................................................................................... ii
Approval. ............................................................................................................................. ii
Acknowledgement ............................................................................................................. iii
Abbreviations ..................................................................................................................... iv
Table ofContent ...................................................................................... v
List of Tables, Pie Charts and Graphs ............................................................ vii
Abstract .............................................................................................................................. ix
CHAPTER ONE ................................................................................................................. 1
1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background of the Study ............................................................................................... 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem .............................................................................................. 2
1.3 The Purpose of the Study .............................................................................................. 2
1.4 Objectives of the Study ................................................................................................. 2
1.5 Research Questions ...................................................................................................... 3
1.6 Significance of the Study ............................................................................................. 3
I. 7 Scope of the Study ........................................................................................................ 3
1.8 Limitations of the Study .............................................................................................. 4
CHAPTER TWO ................................................................................................................ 5
2.0 Literature Review .......................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 5
2.2 Factors Contributing to Poor Performance of Girl Child in Mathematics .................... 5
V
2.3 Methods for Nurturing Attitude in Girl Child Pupil towards Mathematics ................ 7
2.4 General Performances of Girls in Mathematics in Primary Schools ............................ 8
CHAPTER THREE ........................................................................................................... I 0
3.0 Research Methodology ............................................................................................... 10
3 .1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1 O
3.2 Research Design ........................................................................................................ 10
3.3 Area and Population of Study ................................................................................... 1 0
3 .4 Sample Selection and Size ........................................................................................ I 0
3.4 Instruments of Data Collection ................................................................................. 11
3.5 Validity and Reliability of Research Instruments ..................................................... 11
3.6 Data Collection Procedures ....................................................................................... 12
CHAPTER FOUR ............................................................................................................. 13
4.0 Data Presentation and Analysis ................................................................................... 13
4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 13
4.2 Analysis of Data .......................................................................................................... 13
4.2.1 KCPE Results Analysis per Subject According to Sex for the Year 2007 ....... 14
4.2.2 Subjects Mean for the Year 2007 ...................................................................... 24
4.2.3 Subjects Mean for the Year 2008 KCPE ........................................................... 25
4.2.4 Attitude of the Girls towards Mathematics ....................................................... 26
4.2.5 Interest of the Girls in Mathematics .................................................................. 27
4.2.6 Views of the Respondents on Factors Leading to Poor Perfo1mance of Girls
in mathematics .................................................................................................................. 28
CHAPTER FIVE ............................................................................................................... 29
5.0 Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendation ........................................................... 29
VI
5. I Introduction ................................................................................................................. 29
5.2 Discussions and Findings ............................................................................................ 29
5 .3 Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 32
5.4 Reconunendation ........................................................................................................ 33
Reference .......................................................................................................................... 3 5
Appendix A: Introductory Letter ...................................................................................... 36
Appendix B: Questionnaires ............................................................................................ 37
Appendix C: Interview Guide ........................................................................................... 44
Abstract The study was carried out during the month of January, 2009 on Factors Contributing to Poor Performance of Girl Child in Mathematics in Sare Zone. The target group was class eight female pupils. Questionnaires were used among form class eight pupils, mathematics teachers and head teachers of three primary schools. Oral interview was also employed to obtain accurate information. Analysis has shown that a number of girls who reach class eight in every school is very low and their performance in mathematics is poor. Girls have an attitude that mathematics are hard and that they are male subjects, peer influence from friends, family poverty, lack of female teachers in school, socio-economic, cultural and social factors are the main factors that lead to poor performance of girls in mathematics. Government, teachers, NGOs and community need to work hand in hand through educative manes, creation of awareness so as to help in improving the poor performance of girls in mathematics.
