Factors influencing students performance in mathematics in Kenya certificate of secondary education in public secondary schools in Butere sub county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish factors influencing students’ performance in Mathematics in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in public secondary schools in Butere sub-county Kenya. The four research objectives were; to determine whether the teachers in servicetraining influences students’ performance in Mathematics in KCSE, the teachers and students attitude towards Mathematics in KCSE and availability of Resources. The study adopted descriptive survey design and targeted 26 Principals, 45 Mathematics teachers and 192 students in Butere sub-county. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data was collected by use of questionnaire and analyzed by use of descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that non-availability and inadequacy of teaching and learning resources hampered performance in Mathematics. Research findings also showed that the teaching methodologies influence performance as well. Findings on the influence of learners attitude in Mathematics revealed that learners had positive attitude towards the subject based on the findings it was concluded that performance in KCSE. The study recommended that further study be undertaken in both public and private schools in other sub-counties in Kenya to establish the factors behind poor performance in Mathematics. The ministry of education should invest in providing Teaching/learning resources for Mathematics.