DETERMINANTS OF STUDENTS' PERFORMANCE IN MATHEMATICS : THE CASE OF Dr. ABDULMEJID HUSSEIN COLLEGE OF TEACHERS EDUCATION, SOMALI REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

This study was aimed to find out the determinants of students' performance in mathematics at Dr. Abdulmejid Hussein College of Teachers Education. In order to meet this aim attention was given to the Socio-demographic, students, teachers and institution related determinants. The study employed descriptive survey research design and it incorporated both qualitative and quantitative approaches. From a population of 146 second and third year students, 107 samples were selected by using simple random sampling technique. By available sampling, 12 mathematics teachers, 1 mathematics department head and 1 academic dean were included in the study. The data collection tools were questionnaire, observation and document analysis. The quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage with the help of SPSS version 16. The results of the study show that determinants related to students were lack of base in mathematics, lack of study habit, not securing first choice department, lack of academic preparedness to study mathematics. The socio-demographic determinants influenced the students’ performance were the students’ former schools, parents’ educational level and low SES. Also the teachers related determinants that affected students’ performance were the experience and subject specialization of the teachers, teaching methods, assessment and feedback, lack of teachers course preparation. The institutional determinants of students’ performance in mathematics was the institution's low commitment and not establishing mechanisms that can improve the students’ mathematics performance. Lack of facilities and conducive environment both for the students and teachers, Also, the curriculum changed to the Af-somali language which is not given the emphasis it deserves affected the students’ performance in mathematics and created scarcity of resources and manpower. Therefore, it is recommended that, college, department head and mathematics teachers should make more effort to build the base and attitude of the students by giving remedial classes, guidance and counselling, also the students should work hard. Teachers should use active teaching methods, continuous assessments and give feedback the students on time to improve their performance and adjust their study habit. The institution and mathematics department head should create a mechanism that can improve students’ performance in mathematics and pay attention to the admission and department placement of the students, the college and the SRS education bureau should fulfill the facilities needed both for the students and teachers. The institution and mathematics department together need to organize workshops, panel discussions and trainings to update the teachers and share experience with the mathematics departments of the colleges of teachers in the country and promote the shared values to the concerned stakeholders.