Causes of low performance of students in mathematics

Abstract

This study focused on the causes of low performance of students in mathematics in Gorkha district. This study has addressed the question: what are the causes of the low performance in mathematics? How can the student’s performance in mathematics be improved? To answer this research questions, I selected the qualitative design with case study approach. This study was conducted with the sample of four students of grade X. The sample was chosen purposively according to the performance in mathematics and different family background of the case school. Direct interview with four low performer students in mathematics, classroom observation, respective teacher, head teacher and parents of the school were taken. Classroom was done regularly for thirty days during the teaching learning activities. Collected information was analyzed by using different theories to produce the information and draw conclusion on the study. It is found that socio economics status was very poor, learning cultures was negative, parents and peer influences negative learning attitude and poor facilities classroom, management, traditional teaching methods, lack of reinforcement and feedback in classroom, qualification and training of teacher, irregularity of students, lack of teaching materials and poor interaction system are the main causes of low performance in mathematics. And further it was found that the remedial ways to maintain high performance in mathematics were: making teaching learning activities more interesting teaching mathematics through understanding the mathematical concept, improving school and home environment of the child.