Factors contributing to poor academic performance in mathematics among Junior High School pupils in the Hohoe Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Poor academic performance in Mathematics among public basic school pupils has attracted a lot of attention among stakeholders in education in Ghana including Hohoe Municipality. Therefore, this pragmatist study sought to investigate factors contributing to poor academic performance in Mathematics among junior high school (JHS) pupils in the Hohoe Municipality. The study adopted sequential explanatory mixed methods design within mixed methods approach. A sample of 311 (291 pupils, 10 Mathematic teachers and 10 parents) was be selected for the study. Systematic random and convenience sampling techniques were used to selected respondents in this study. Questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data while the qualitative data were analysed using themes and direct quotes. It was found that pupil negative attitudes towards the studying of Mathematics contributed to their poor academic performance. Also, Mathematics teachers’ negative attitudes towards teaching contributed to poor academic performance of JHS pupils. However, home factors did not contribute to the poor academic performance of JHS pupils. Again, school factors did not contributeto the poor academic performance of JHS pupils. It was concluded that poor academic performance of JHS pupils in Mathematics was as a result of mathophobia. Again, it was concluded that the way and manner Mathematics teachers teach the subject contributed to poor academic performance of JHS pupils. Additionally, parents provided the necessary home support for their children’s education in Mathematics. Finally, the school created a conducive learning environment for JHS pupils to improve their learning in Mathematics. It was recommended that in-service training on factors contributing to poor academic performance of pupils should be given to all Mathematics teachers in the Hohoe Municipality by the personnel in-charge of training and supervision at the Municipal Education Directorate, Hohoe.