Mathematics as Language for Involving Secondary School Children in Science and Technology in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined Mathematics as Language for involving secondary schools Children in Science and Technology in Ondo State, Nigeria. As a correlational survey, it examined the relationship between Mathematics and other science subjects in schools' curriculum. The study population comprised all the 257 secondary schools that presented candidates for the 2003 Junior Secondary Certificate (JSC) and Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC) examinations in Ondo State Nigeria. The sample consisted of 180 schools selected from the population through stratified random sampling technique. The instrument used was an inventory while the data collected were analyzed with the use of percentages, t-test, correlation and multiple regression. The findings show that there was a significant correlation between JSC Mathematics and SSC Mathematic, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and agric science. The performance in SSC Mathematics also correlated significantly with the performance in SSC Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Agric science. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the Ondo State Government should intensify more efforts at promoting the teaching of Mathematics in secondary schools. This could be done by supplying more specialist teachers in Mathematics to all secondary schools in the State and organizing seminars and workshops on new strategies for the teaching and learning of Mathematics in secondary schools.

Keywords: mathematics, bedrock, science, education, predictor, performance, mathematics across science curriculum, mathematics across technology curriculum

Mathematics Connection Vol. 6 2007: pp. 8-20