Factors Associated with under-Achievement in Mathematics at SLC Examination

Abstract

This study was carried out the root cause of under-achievement in mathematics at SLC examination. Although mathematics has been given an important place in Curricula of all levels of school education, most students' under-achievement in this subject at SLC examination, the investigator undertook this particular study for the purpose to find out the root cause of under-achievement in mathematics at SLC examination. The main objectives of this study was to indentify the cause of under-achievement in mathematics in SLC examination and to identify the ways to minimized the rate of under-achievement in mathematics in SLC examination. The study was based on descriptive survey design. All the mathematics teachers and students who were teaching and studing mathematics in public secondary schools of Khotang district. There are 25 teachers and 80 students were sample population of the study. Mathematics teachers are taken from TPD training programme who were organized by NCED. In order to develop the tools for the study, the researcher first studied the school mathematics curriculum and textbook prescribed for secondary level. Then he developed the questionnaire to be distributed secondary level students, mathematics teachers and head teacher for assessing the various aspects of factors of under-achievement in mathematics at SLC examination. The developed questionnaire were distributed to 25 randomly selected secondary schools teacher and the same questionnaires were distributed to 80 randomly selected students. Students' performance is low in classes because of lack of teaching materials and drill practice. Similarly, the subject teachers don't check homework and classwork regularly. There was no proper management of subject teacher lack of checking homework as well as class works in the class. no proper educational environment of the students house and school. Large number of questions are in the examination while teaching, teachers focus only on the limited number of talented students. The finding of this study will be helpful for policy makers, stakeholders, authors and management committee of the institutions to carry out the policy towards better achievement of the students in mathematics at SLC exam. The Ministry of Education should review the curriculum to make it relevant and flexible to the diverse needs of different regions and background of the students. The researcher's conclusions can be used in practice to uplift the academic status of the students in every education institution. Since it is found that the mathematics achievement of under-achievement student are more affected by school environment, effective classroom teaching time variables and low affected by physical facilities and interest of learner. The study of this kind should be conducted at all levels of schools and in other subjects as well.