Motivation and attitude of grade nine learners towards mathematics in King Williams Town Education District, South Africa

Abstract

Successive governments of post-apartheid South African have sought to address the problems of learners in Mathematics by introducing various pro-active measures. However, these efforts by governments have not yielded the desired results in Mathematics. King William’s Town Education District is not immune to this poor performance of learners in Mathematics. This study therefore sought to find out the motivation and attitude of grade Nine learners towards Mathematics in the District. Three hundred and sixty grade Nine learners were selected for the study. A structured questionnaire was adopted as a research instrument in collecting data from the learners. The study showed that, learners lack motivation from their educators to study Mathematics and this adversely affects their attitude towards the subject. Mathematics educators were recommended to provide extrinsic motivations such as praises, gifts, to learners during Mathematics lessons. Scholarship to well performing students in Mathematics, feedback and Visitation of learners at home by their Mathematics educators should also be encouraged. On the other hand, learners must develop a positive attitude towards Mathematics. They must love the subject and make consistent efforts of studying Mathematics every day.

Keywords: Educators, King William’s Town Education District, Learners, Mathematics, Motivation