Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Mathematics is a fundamental subject in the educational curriculum, playing a crucial role in shaping students' problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. However, the effective teaching and learning of mathematics in junior secondary schools face various challenges that hinder students' academic performance and overall understanding of the subject. This research aims to explore and analyze the problems militating against the effective teaching and learning of mathematics in junior secondary schools. One significant issue identified is the lack of qualified mathematics teachers. Many junior secondary schools struggle to employ teachers with strong mathematics backgrounds or specialized training in teaching the subject. This shortage of qualified teachers results in inadequate delivery of mathematical concepts, leading to students' confusion and disinterest in the subject. Additionally, teachers' lack of professional development opportunities and continuous training further compounds the problem, as they may struggle to adopt innovative teaching methods and approaches. Another critical challenge is the negative attitude towards mathematics among students. Many students perceive mathematics as a difficult and abstract subject, leading to a lack of motivation and engagement in learning. This negative mindset can significantly impact students' performance and willingness to participate actively in mathematics classes. Addressing students' attitudes towards mathematics is crucial in fostering a positive learning environment and improving academic outcomes. Furthermore, the inadequate learning resources and infrastructure in junior secondary schools pose a barrier to effective mathematics education. Schools often lack up-to-date textbooks, mathematical tools, and technology that can enhance students' learning experiences. Without access to essential resources, students may struggle to grasp complex mathematical concepts and apply them in real-world contexts. Improving the availability of resources and technology in schools is essential for creating a conducive learning environment for mathematics education. In conclusion, the effective teaching and learning of mathematics in junior secondary schools face various challenges that require immediate attention and intervention. Addressing issues such as teacher qualifications, student attitudes, and resource constraints is crucial in enhancing mathematics education quality and promoting students' academic success. By identifying and mitigating these problems, educators and policymakers can work towards improving the overall learning experience and outcomes in mathematics for junior secondary school students.

Thesis 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