CLASS SIZE AS PREDICTOR OF MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT AMONG JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF CHANCHAGA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA NIGER STATE

Abstract

The study was undertaken to investigate class size to predict the effectiveness of teaching and learning of Mathematics and also students' achievement in the study of Mathematics using some selected public and private junior secondary schools within Chanchaga local government Area of Niger state. Six research questions were raised to guide the study. The study employed multimethod research design (one-week observation and three-weeks experimental exercise). The population of the study comprised of 7600 junior secondary students and 107 junior secondary school Mathematics teachers. 4 schools were randomly selected and used as sample for the study. Two instruments were used for collection of data, a well-structured observation assessment sheet was constructed to evaluate rate of class room management and control, rate of attention and supervision received from teachers by their students and the rate of individual student involvement and participation during classroom instructions in overcrowded and reduced class sizes, and the second instrument used was a Mean Achievement Test administered to students of the four selected schools in order to ascertain the rate of students achievement in overcrowded and reduced class sizes. The data from the two instruments were collected and analyzed using mean, mean percentage and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that a strong relationship exists between class size, effective teaching and learning and also students’ achievement in the study of Mathematics. The researcher recommended that governments, the ministry of education, policy makers, parent/teachers association and other non-governmental organizations should contribute respectively in renovating schools, building more classes, employing more teaching staff and providing schools with necessary facilities needed to make learning environment conducive as well as make teaching and learning effective.