Unfolding the Reality of Low Achievement in Mathematics

Abstract

The topic of the study is "Unfolding the reality of low achievement in mathematics". This study focuses on the causes of low achievement in mathematics. The main objective of this study was to explore and focus the factors that bring low achievement in mathematics. To fulfill the intended objectives of the study, the researcher had developed the conceptual understanding of the study which was the theoretical framework for this study.The theoretical framework of the study covered home related factors, student related factors and school related factors, having three sub factors of each those factors. Data analysis and interpretation was done on the basis of theoretical frame work developed by the researcher in literature review altogether. This was case study research having qualitative and descriptive nature. Among all schools from Kathmandu district, only one school was chosen purposively. Finally, from total students of Grade VII four students (1 boy and 3 girls) were selected for the case study on the basis of mathematics score obtained by the students in the test taken by the school. Tools for the data collection were interview schedules, observation form and written documents. Face to face interview was carried outwith students, parents, mathematics teacher &head teacher and classroom observation was done. The collected information was analyzed descriptively according to the constructivism theory. This study showed different causes of low achievement in mathematics. They were less participatory classes, poor teacher-student relationship, improper feedback system, poor financial condition of the parents, occupational factor and parent's low education level. v