Difficulties in Learning Mathematics of Tamang Students at Primary Level

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the causes of difficulties in learning mathematics of Tamang students at Primary level and to identify the impact of home enviroment in learning at school. For the purpose of the study the researcher choose a school situated in Bhotechaur 8 Jaisiganu, Sindhupalchock district. The researcher selected five Tamang children studying in grade five by using purposive sampling as his respondent. The researcher did in-depth observation of all the five children; spend more than one month and 15 days time for the observation of the children behavior, activities and their actual difficulties in mathematics classroom. The researcher also interviews the students to get the necessary information. The interview of their parents was also done to know the views about their children's study, their opinion about the difficulties of the Tamang children in mathematics. The interview of the mathematics teacher and Headteacherwas also done to investigate the causes of difficulties in mathematices of Tamang students. The researcher uses the theory of John Ogbu"Chltural differnce and discontinuity" to interpret the information and to get the conclusion. From this study the researcher found that the cultural discontinuity, language difference, lack of interpersonal relation, low economic condition, unfavorable school environment for learning, lack of local teachers, lack of enough practice in home etc. are the main causes of learning difficulties for Tamang students in mathematics. So, the researcher has come up with some suggestions and recommendations which are: school teaching has to relate the everyday learning method of Tamang children and mathcmatics teacher has to take into account the cultural practice of the students, has to emphasize on practical method in teaching.