Difficulties Faced by Dalit Students In Learning Mathematics

Abstract

The main aim of this study entitled “Difficultyfaced byDalits students in learning mathematics” isto analyze thecauses ofdifficultiesfaced by Dalit students in learning mathematics.Inparticular,the study attempts to overcome these difficultiesthrough the analysis of the causes. This research is qualitative in design with case study approach.For theanalysisof the study, theresearcher selectedthree schools ofNawalparasidistrict, from where5 Dalit students were sampled(2 boys and 3 girls).Classroomobservationform and interview guidelines to students, subject teacher and parents were used to collect data. In addition to this, unstructured interview of selected students, teachers and parents was also taken to analyze difficulties. Based onreviewed literature and different concepts of theories,data have been analyzed and interpreted to find out the causes of difficulties faced by Dalit students. Itwasfound that learning environment at home and school, language, interpersonal relation,teacher-students interaction, gender discrimination,poverty,irregularity,lack of parental involvement in the school,lack of belief and support and teaching method have emerged as the major causes behind the difficulties in learning mathematics for Dalit students. In conclusion, the researchfinds that the guardiansandparentsof the Dalit students have notregularly kept a close watchon their children's studyat home as well asin the school. Besides,favorablelearning environment at home and schoolhas notimprovedforDalitchildrentobe motivated to learn mathematics.