31-07-2012, 02:17 PM
ANALYSIS OF THE ACHIEVEMENT OF URBAN AND RURAL SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL
ANALYSIS OF THE ACHIEVEMENT.docx (Size: 69.09 KB / Downloads: 90)
ABSTRACT
This research work analysis’s the achievement of urban and rural secondary school students in JSCE mathematics. Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State was used as the area of study. Five secondary schools were selected each from urban and rural areas of the area of study. An analysis of the achievement of boys and girls was also carried out in the urban area of the same area of study. A set of questionnaire was also admitted on 150 randomly selected students to test the effect of the availability of adequate resource on students’ achievements in mathematics examination. Junior School Certificate Examination results were collected and analyzed. The study also highlighted the possible cause of persistent low achievement rate of students in JSCE mathematics to inadequate availability and use of teaching and learning facilities. The study found out that, urban school students achieve higher than their rural counterpart in JSCE mathematics, similarly, girls achieve higher than boys in JSCE mathematics. It also shows that availability of adequate resources has a significant effect on students’ achievement in mathematics examination. Conclusion were drawn base on the findings of this study, recommendation were made for other interested different design and approaches to uphold critique and even update this study on urban and rural school students achievement in mathematics examination
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
The two important factors that influence the growth of an individual are heredity and Environment. It is the heredity genes that give rise to urban talent and often with mental mechanism with all its strength and weaknesses.
However, the environment influences in him. The similarities and differences among human beings lie between the interplay of heredity and environment. The above discussion has brought about the beginning of several opinions of people all over the world concerning the academic achievement of students of urban school against those of rural schools. Hence there arose a need for the researcher to undertake a finding into the influence which location has on the achievement of students in junior secondary certificate examination (JCSE) mathematics.
The word “mathematics” comes from the Greek word mathemata, meaning things that are learned. Mathematics is a science of numbers and shapes, which has branches that include; Arithmetic, Algebra, geometry and trigonometry. Its study improves the students’ ability to calculate and communicate effectively through the use of sign, symbols, letters as well as numbers.
Mathematics is a subject that is thought at all levels in post-primary institution which has got applications in almost all aspects of human endeavors. But is there any similarity or differences in the achievement of students of mathematics in JSCE result between urban and rural schools of the local government area? This has also arose a need for the researcher’s finding.
Statement of the Problem
It is important to develop science and technology, since no nation will advance in development without developing its science and technology. Mathematics is the nucleus of science and it is studied in all level of primary and post-primary institutions in Nigeria, yet it has no necessary motivation to enhance a good achievement in JSCE.
Ter (2005) reported that “a high number of students presented in mathematics examination organized by various examination bodies failed and drop out of school or re-sit the examination”.
Also the absence of instructional aids affects teachers’ effectiveness which invariably cumulates in poor academic achievement (Raju, 1978).
Onyemulukwu (1995) reported that “sex difference in the performance of students in some school subject could be attributed to a variety of factors such as gender. But could location, sex or the availability of resource materials be responsible for poor achievement recorded? The solutions to these questions formed the basis for this study.
Significance of the Study
The level of importance attached to the present research work on the analysis of the achievement of urban and rural secondary school students in Junior Secondary Certificate (JSCE) mathematics could be seen for the following reasons.
It is expected that, the findings of this work will bring out the differences between the mean achievement of boys and girls at various locations. Hence, the teacher would be informed on how to handle the teaching of mathematics among the two genders.
Also, the finding of this work will inform the parents, the public, and curriculum planners on mathematics achievement trend with respect to location in order to effectively plan the curriculum in a way that will bring about position changes where necessary as work will be published students or professional journals.