A REVIEW ON THE INFLUENCE OF TEACHERS QUALIFICATION ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN MATHEMATICS   CHAPTER ONE

1. BACKGROUNDE OF THE STUDY.

The importance of having a solid background in mathematics is very well recognized as it serves as a getaway to future profession in a variety of field (Tella 2008;Pondor2006;Deklerk welters cited by Kurt et al.2002).mathematics is one of most essential subject in school curriculum at all levels of education. It has been one of the requirements for admission into higher institution of learning. Mathematics competence is an essential component in preparing numerate citizens for employment and it is needed to ensure the production of highly-skilled persons required by industry, science and technology (Mikulski 2001). Kruletskil (1976) in Nnaji (1984:6) stated that, mathematical models method and styles of thinking have penetrated every field of knowledge. Recent developments in mathematics have shown that the knowledge of the subject penetrates into the remote areas of the humanities. Agreeing with that, (NTCM, Steen2001, and Kahn2001) said that, the world technological advance today involves a solid mathematical background which leads to job opportunities in the world. At its most basic levels, mathematics is a requirement for science, computer technology and engineering courses. This is based on the fact that from home to the work place, technological tools have become part of our day-to-day live activities. According to Steen (2001), mathematics does not only empower people with the capacity to control their lives but also provide science a firm foundation for effective theories; it also guarantees society of vigorous economy. Also, according to (Ojose 2011), Mathematics is very important in our daily lives since it deals with real life situations in our daily activities. Looking at the general public consciously, everyone is involved in mathematical process every day. The house wife as she shops, the wages earner as they calculate their salaries, the labourer as he estimate his wages. Mathematics is a subject much feared by the majority and infact, many people run away from it. But then it is a subject that is indispensable for any scientific and technological advancement to which our nation is committed.therefore, the people of it country need enlightenment to enable student to have intelligent understanding of the increasing complexity of the technology. Notably, Students find mathematics difficult when it is taught by a teacher who cannot explain clearly, who does not review or does not assign. What is needed from the teacher i is the real interest in the teaching of the subject, a knowledge of the child’s mind and his way of learning and true understanding of the fundamental mathematics ideas so that student will appreciate the usefulness of mathematics in their daily life activities. Against such a background, the researcher is trying to find out whether teachers qualification as a factor has influence on students achievement in mathematics.               

1. 1. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The importance of mathematics in nation building cannot be over emphasized. But massive failures in tests and terminal examinations with reference to senior secondary certificate examination (SSCE) have shown poor performance in the subject. Many people have blamed the mass failure on the low qualification on mathematics teachers. Studies carried out had indicated the need for teachers’ academic qualification in their various teaching subjects. In an investigation, Etim (1985) found that teachers gained enough skills from a preparatory programme to enable them teach their subjects at any level of secondary school. This points to the need for appropriate training in the subject matter area of teachers so that their classroom instruction could be above board. Otuka (1987) found out misconceptions in students which they traced to misconceptions held by their teachers. Research also shows that teacher knowledge of specific subject matter, particularly at the secondary level is a good predictor of student achievement. Monk (1994) finds a strong correlation between teacher subject matter preparation in mathematics and student success for both low and high scoring students, while Goldhaber & Brewer (2002) noted that students do better in mathematics if taught by a teacher with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mathematics. Therefore since teacher’s qualification is of great influence to learning of mathematics, is upon this premise that this research seeks to delve into this study on a review on the influence of teachers qualification on students academic performance in mathematics

1. 1. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY.

The main purpose of this research is to conduct a review on the influence of teachers qualification on students academic performance in mathematics. Other specific objectives are:

1. To identify the level of competency required by teachers to influence positively on students’ performance in Mathematics.

2. To investigate mathematics teachers qualification determines how he/she inculcate in the students the skills of imagination, appreciation and order which accompany mathematics.

3. To ascertain whether the low qualification of teachers has any effect on the teaching and learning of mathematics in secondary schools.

4. To establish whether teachers qualification have any significant impact of the overall achievement of student in mathematics.

1. 1. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following questions will guide the study in line with objective of the study:

1. What is the level of competency required by teachers to influence positively on students’ performance in Mathematics?

2. Do mathematics teachers qualification determine how they inculcate in the students the skills of imagination, appreciation and order which accompany mathematics?

3. Does low qualification of teachers has any effect on the teaching and learning of mathematics in secondary schools?

4. Does teachers qualification have any significant impact of the overall achievement of student in mathematics?

1. 1. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research work will be of importance to students as it will enable them to identify the factors responsible for poor performance in mathematics. The finding of this research will help the government to work into the teaching and learning of mathematics, which could enable her, put in more effort to sponsor more teachers into higher institution of learning to have a good training in mathematics. The study will of course motivate the teachers to go for more training to higher institution in their subject area. Empirically, the study will contribute to existing body of knowledge and serve as a reference material to scholars and student who wishes to conduct further studies in related field.

1. 1. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of this study borders on the influence of teachers qualification on students academic performance in mathematics. The study will however be delimited to secondary school in Echie Local government area in Rivers State.

1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint was the scanty literature on the subject owing that it is a new discourse thus the researcher incurred more financial expenses and much time was required in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size covering only selected secondary school in Echie Local government area in Rivers State. Thus findings of this study cannot be used for generalization for other ministry in other States within Nigeria. Additionally, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work will impede maximum devotion to the research. Howbeit, despite the constraint encountered during the research, all factors were downplayed in other to give the best and make the research successful.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS.

Performance: This refers to the outcome, the experience the students are expected to attain in the course of studying mathematics.

Influence: it refers to the effect that is created on somebody the way a person, causing a change in his thinking or behaviour

Mathematics teaching is the process of transferring or imparting mathematics knowledge, facts and skills from one person to another or group of persons. It is a complete process which involves the provision of mathematical experience and activities designed to promote learning on the part of those engaged in these activities.

Qualification: Is a skill or type of experience that you need for a particular job or activity.