Student-based factors as challenges to the learning of Mathematics in Secondary Schools

Abstract

This paper analyses the factors of family background, study habits, motivation, attitude and entry behavior as student based challenges to the effective learning of mathematics by secondary school students in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State and their perceived solutions to these challenges. The sample for the study consisted of three hundred and twenty four mathematics students who were randomly selected from the fifteen public schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. Questions were raised and principal component factor analysis (PCFA) was used to analyse the data. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that provision of learning materials, high contribution of study habits and motivation of students are needed for students to surmount challenges in the learning of mathematics in secondary schools.

Keywords: Learning, challenges, mathematics