Student-Centered Approach as an Effective Teaching-Learning of Mathematics: Challenges and Opportunities in Some Selected Secondary Schools of East Wollega Zone (Oromia Region).
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Date
2015-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The objective of the study is to assess the status of application of student-centered approach as an effective teaching-learning mathematics: Challenges and Opportunities in Some Selected secondary Schools of East wollega zone (Oromia Region). The study explored problems in the teaching and learning of mathematics from the following perspectives: problems related to school facilities, teachers, students, and the extent to which the school is conducive for practical activities. The research method employed in the study was a mixed approach. Descriptive survey design was employed to accomplish the study. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select mathematics teachers’ and principals. Random sampling techniques were used to select students. Availability sampling techniques were used to select supervisors. Educational administrators (principals and vice principals), mathematics teachers, students, and supervisors at woreda levels were the subjects of the study. Questionnaire, classroom observation and interview were the major data gathering instruments used for this study. Besides, document analyses were made to get additional evidences to the study. Numbers, percentage, mean values and grand mean were the statistical tools used to analyze the data obtained from the subjects. The findings of the study in general showed problems that include: Poor background of the students in mathematics skills, weak ability to think, in ability to pose questions, weak English language proficiency, lack of interest and motivation to learn mathematics in those sample schools. The finding also showed that, teachers’ lack of competency in their subject and method of teaching as well as lack of interest and motivation to be engaged in their professional task, poor supervision (frequent follow up) from concerned bodies, inadequate availability of instructional materials, luck of enough time provided for discussion after instruction to make the lesson more clear and poor school facility were the chief problems encountered in the teaching and learning of mathematics in the secondary schools of East wollega zone. But in contrary if the student-centered method of teaching-learning approach implemented properly: learners draw up on their own knowledge, understanding, ability, experience and organize and finally give interpretation. Conclusions of the result indicates that there are lack of school facilities, low level of students interest to involve in the method, insufficient supervisory assistance to the schools were found factors that influence the implementation of student-centered approach. To fulfill school facilities following classroom standard population (class size), making frequent supervisory assistance to schools and organizing short term workshops, seminars as well as to encourage staff training were also recommended.
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Effective Teaching-Learning of Mathematics: Challenges