CLASS SIZE AND STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN JUNIOR SECONDARY MATHEMATICS
CLASS SIZE AND STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN JUNIOR SECONDARY MATHEMATICS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Abstract
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Purpose of the Study
1.4 Significance of the Study
1.5 Research Questions
1.6 Delimitation of the Study
1.7 Limitation of the Study
1.8 Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODS
3.1 Area of the Study
3.2 Research Design
3.3 Population of the Study
3.4 Sample and Sampling Technique
3.5 Instrument for Data Collection
3.6 Validation of the Instrument
3.7 Reliability of Instrument
3.8 Administration of the Instrument
3.9 Method of Data Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.1 Data Analysis
4.2 Discussion of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION
5.1 Summary
5.2 Recommendations
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Suggestions for further Study
References
Appendix
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Class size is the total number of students assigned to enroll in a specific teacher. The rapid increase in all facet of Nigerian economy, social, political and educational system is so alarming. There should also be a corresponding increase in the turnout of manpower. Moreover, the Nigeria educational system should be alert in the training of qualified manpower to meet with the increase. Consequently, the total number of students in any given class has a great effect on academic performance of students in any examination (Blosser, 2021).
The less number of students in class the greater attention will be given to them by the teacher, but when the population is much, the teacher will not be able to give good attention to the students while teaching. Therefore, if an individual is not influence by fear or other external influences, the individual would always produce consistent action or behaviour which will reflect his/her attitude toward the subject of interest. An overcrowded classroom can be the cause to poor performance in examination (DeBaz, 2018).
CLASS SIZE AND STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN JUNIOR SECONDARY MATHEMATICS
However, with the introduction of free and compulsory education in Akwa Ibom State, there is a tremendous increase in school enrolment specifically in Mathematics in Etinan Local Government Area. In addition, according to Bassey (2023) this has a consequential impact on class size with many children vying for the few places available in education institutions. Therefore, this situation leads to over population of schools with the attendance problems of inadequate facilities, instructional materials and supporting personnel.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
There has been public outcry on the abysmal performance of students in schools. The continuous poor performance among students has given well-meaning individuals and major stake-holders in the education sub-sector a foot for thought. Accordingly, efforts have been made to find out the causes of the poor state of students’ academic performance in schools for possible solutions.
However, not much research work has been carried out along the line of class size. The idea that the number of students within a class can affect the students’ academic achievement, and the teacher instructional methods has been discussed for decades.
At the heart of this debate is an economic issue of whether or not the finding or additional teacher to reduce class size does result in increased levels of academic achievement for the students. However, previous research has focused on trying to determine the optimal student to teacher ratio for academic achievement. Numerous studies focusing on class size and academic achievement have resulted in findings that are varied in both conclusion and recommendations. The class size and students academic performance in Junior Secondary Mathematics.
The contradicting nature of previous class size reduction studies give no definite answer as to whether or not a school limited funding should used for reducing class sizes nor does it clearly refute or support the finding of additional teacher to lower class size and increase students achievement, resulting in a empirical gap.
Therefore, there is the need to understand how class size affects the instructional and classroom management practices of teacher as well as the academic performance of students.
It is against the background therefore, that this study “class size and students academic performance in Junior Secondary Mathematics in Etinan Local Government Area” became imperative.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study is to examine class size and students academic performance in Junior Secondary Mathematics in Etinan Local Government Area.
Specifically:
- To determine the class size and students academic performance in Junior Secondary Mathematics in Etinan Local Government Area.
- To examine the difference in academic performance of male and female students taught Mathematics in Etinan Local Government Area.
1.4 Significance of the Study
This research work is important for the following reasons:
- Firstly, the finding will help teachers to arrange effective teaching in manageable class size.
- Secondly, this research work will provide comprehensive information for educational planners, educator and parent on how they can assist students to cope in a large class. The class size and students academic performance in Junior Secondary Mathematics.
- Thirdly, it will help government to make proper arrangement for effective academic achievement by employing more qualified teachers and providing adequate classrooms.
1.5 Research Hypotheses
The following null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study:
- There is no significant difference in performance of students taught Mathematics in small class size and those taught in large class size.
- There is no significant difference in academic performance of males and females taught Mathematics in a small class and those taught in large class size.
1.6 Definition of Terms
The need to define certain terms used in this research study is to enable readers understand the context which the term are being used.
Class Size: This refers to the number of students receiving lesson from a teacher in a classroom.
Students: In brief, a student is a learner or someone who attains a lesson in class.
Academic performance: The performance of student in test/examination given in a particular subject area to ascertain the level of knowledge gain to concepts taught.
Small class: A class with a maximum of 25 to 30 students.
Large class: A class with more than 30 learners or students.
Conclusion
Based on the data collected analyzed and the result obtained, it can be concluded that a large class size, that is about thirty five (35) students above is not conducive for serious academic gains Adeyela (2019). Hence, junior secondary two (JSII) Mathematics class should be reduce to at least twenty (25) students to improve students’ academic performance.
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