Problems of Teaching and Learning of Geometry in Secondary Schools in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

It has been observed that students shy away from the study of mathematics even though it is the bed rock of science and technology. This shows the negative attitude and poor performance of students in mathematics. It is this backdrop that prompted the research into the problem of teaching and learning of geometry in secondary schools. The study is aimed at identifying the problems and proffering solution to them. Consequently, two research questions were raised. (1) What factors are responsible for the difficulty in the teaching and learning of geometry in secondary schools? (2) What strategies could be adopted to enhance better teaching and learning of geometry in secondary schools? Some factors were investigated which revolve around physical facilities, quality and quantity of teaching staff, attitude of students, parents and government Data were collected by means of two different questionnaires administered to three hundred (300) students and thirty (30) teachers drawn from ten (10) secondary schools in Rivers State. The four points Likert rating scale was used in administering it and it was analyzed using simple mean. Some of the findings that emerged are: (1) the foundation of most mathematics teachers in geometry is poor. (2) The students have poor foundation in mathematics. (3) The teaching and learning environment is not conducive. Based on the findings, it was recommended that (a) The State government should as a matter of urgency send mathematics teachers for training and seminars for effective teaching and learning. (b) The government should endeavor to provide the necessary infrastructures and facilities that will motivate teaching and learning of mathematics.