Influence Of Mathematical Symbols On The Learners’ Performance: A Case Study Of Koibatek Secondary Schools, Baringo County, Kenya

Abstract

Mathematical symbols are characters or notations used to represent numbers, operations, relations, and other mathematical concepts. These symbols serve as a universal language in mathematics, allowing complex ideas to be communicated clearly and efficiently across different contexts and cultures. Addressing the understanding of mathematical symbols is crucial as it plays a significant role in grasping fundamental mathematical concepts, which can contribute to overall improvement in students' performance. The purpose of this study therefore, was to determine the influence of mathematical symbols on learner performance in mathematics in Koibatek Sub-county. The objectives of the study were: to determine the extent to which mathematics symbols influence students' performance in Mathematics; to determine how various strategies used in teaching mathematical symbols influence students' performance in mathematics; and to find out how the challenges that secondary school students encounter when interpreting and applying mathematical symbols in order to understand mathematical concepts and problem solving procedures influence performance in Mathematics. The study was guided by Constructivist theory which argues that learning takes place when a person is prompted to go beyond current standards of performance and builds new abilities reinforced by previous knowledge and experience. The study adopted descriptive survey research design utilizing mixed method approach. The targeted population was 2800 form three learners from 36 schools and mathematics teachers. The sample size of 350 was calculated using Yamane formula. Students and teachers were sampled using simple random sampling and purposive sampling respectively. To collect data, questionnaires and interview guides were utilized. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically based on content of common themes. The analyzed quantitative data were presented in tables inform of percentages and frequencies. The findings of the study revealed that mathematics symbols to a large extent influenced students’ performance in mathematics; strategies used in teaching mathematical symbols and challenges students encounter when interpreting and applying mathematical symbols in order to understand mathematical symbols influenced students’ performance. The teachers interviewed revealed that among the challenges students face in learning mathematical symbols was poor attitude towards mathematical problems. The study concludes that mathematical symbols to a large extent (73.5%) influenced learner’s performance in mathematics. Similarly, various strategies used in teaching mathematical symbols also influenced students’ performance in mathematics. Finally, the challenges students in understanding and interpreting mathematical symbols have a large bearing on students’ performance in mathematics. The study recommended that, schools should conduct regular assessments to identify students who struggle with interpreting and applying mathematical symbols. Support systems, such as remedial classes and peer tutoring, can be introduced to help these students overcome difficulties and improve their overall mathematics performance. If these recommendations are implemented they will improve students’ performance in mathematics.