Support Services in the Learning of Mathematics Subject in Open Secondary Schools in Mpwapwa District, Tanzania.

Erick, Bahati (2020) Support Services in the Learning of Mathematics Subject in Open Secondary Schools in Mpwapwa District, Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

PDF - Submitted Version Download (851kB)

Abstract

A study of support services in the learning of Mathematics subject in Mpwapwa district Open Secondary Schools (OSS) in Tanzania investigated how students enrolled in OSS are supported when learning mathematics for the purpose of attaining a Certificate in Secondary Education (CSE) through The National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA). Specifically, the study determined types of SSS offered by OSS, examined national form four mathematics examination performance for the past three years at the selected open schools, and identified challenges faced by students when studying mathematics in open school. A mixed research approach was employed to get the necessary information. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select respondents for data collection. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, documentary review, and questionnaire. The study employed a total of 63 respondents that included students, teachers, Head of School, and Regional Coordinator. Findings revealed inadequate support services related to tutor feedback comments, study skills development, face to face tutoring, counseling and guidance services, orientation services in their school, and availability of study material services. The findings also showed that there were poor performance in mathematics subjects and that students faced challenges related to shortages of mathematics tutors, poor foundation and skills in mathematics subject, lack of interest in mathematics subject, shortage of resources including study materials, and shortage of enough time for face to face tutoring sessions and personal study. The study recommended a need for improving support services and further studies on how best to improve mathematics subject teaching and learning process. Keywords: Student support services, student performance

Actions (login required)

View Item