The teaching of mathematics in Universal Primary Education schools in Busia District

Abstract

This study is on the effects of Universal Primary Education on the quality of teaching mathematics in primary schools in Busia District. The objectives of the study were:- i. To examine the effects of UPE in the teaching of mathematics of UPE schools. ii. To find out the effects of UPE on the teachers’ interactions with the pupils in class. iii. Analyse the effects of UPE on mathematical pedagogical facilities and academic performance of the pupils. The statement of the problem was fully discussed and the purpose of the study was to establish the effects of UPE on the quality of teaching mathematics. The finding of the study will enable stakeholder in education to develop policies and techniques of improving the quality of teaching mathematics in UPE schools. The literature review was guided by the research objectives. The researcher adapted across sectional survey research design in which it focused on discussion, interviews, questionnaires and observations as the tools for data gathering. The researcher computed the content validity index as 0.75 thus 75% indicating that the items in the study were valid. The researcher carried out a pilot study of the instruments in Buhooli South County in Bugiri district to ascertain the reliability of the instruments, it was found 0.64 indicating a positive relationship. The data collected were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The data were presented and analysed in a tabular form. The researcher compared the PLE results before and after UPE to analyse the effect of UPE. The following are come of the research findings, inadequate learning materials in schools, large classes discourage learners from participating freely in class, teachers hate to teach weak pupils in large classes, poor teaching methods make learners hate the subject; there is inadequate learning materials in schools, there is lack of supervision of teachers by the head teachers and school inspectors, and there is lack of conducive learning environment. From the research finding and discussion the following conclusion can be drawn. There is a decline in performance of mathematics in UPE schools in PLE in Busia district, there is lack of instructional materials in schools and there is high enrolment in schools in Busia district.