Investigating Factors Contributing To Learner Performance in Mathematics: A Case Study of Some Selected Schools in Motheo District

Abstract

This study investigated factors contributing to learner performance in mathematics in some selected schools in Motheo District. Three schools made up of – one secondary school (in Mangaung); two secondary schools (in Botshabelo) in Motheo District. Seven educators from each school comprising of three male and three female educators teaching mathematics and one head of department for mathematics were sampled from the population. A quantitative research method has been used to gather data regarding factors that contributes towards learner performance. Factors are: the attitudes of learners towards mathematics; the use of English; and experience of teachers; the resources provided by the department of education and also the support from learner’s parents. It has been found that learners are demotivated by their parents and peers saying that mathematics is the difficult subject which needs clever people. In conclusion teachers and parents must be actively involved in the education of learners.