A Comparism of Academic Achievement of Studdents in...

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of Study The study mathematics as a subject in its own right begins in the 6th century BC with the Pythagoreans, who coined the term ‘’mathematics’’ from the ancient Greek (mathema),meaning ‘’subject of instruct’’. In Nigeria and in other parts of the world, there have been always national interest towards improvement of teaching and learning of sciences and mathematics in particular. The main concern of the educationalists has always been in the improvement of the achievement level of students (Bajah,1984;Akpau 1993). For a nation such as ours aspiring for scientific and technological take –off the need to pay due attention to our students’ academic achievement in mathematics cannot be over†¦show more content†¦Other factors like quality of teaching personnel supervision, and management are not left out. The fallen standard of mathematics in senior secondary schools in Guma and the nation at large is drastically e ating the nation’s pride[Ortyoyande,1999]it is therefore necessary to monitor the students achievement especially in senior secondary school level so that the factors having negative effect on students’ achievement if not completely eliminated should be reduced to the barest minimum to ensure the production of good mathematicians in the future. 1.2 Statement of the Problem. The academic achievement of mathematics students in the private and public senior secondary schools in Guma Local Government Area has been a matter of concern to parents, teachers and administrations, even the students and the general public. This situation does not favour Nigerias move if it would attain her ambition of becoming one of the worlds twenty biggest economies by the year 2020 towards developing scientific and technological culture as context of Nigeria vision. 1.3 Purpose of Study The purpose of this research is geared towards comparing academic