Abstract

MOTHER TONGUE AS AN ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR IMPROVING BASIC SCHOOLS PUPILS’ PERFORMANCE IN ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS IN OYO NIGERIA

Saddiq, Khalid

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Abstract This study investigated the effect of mother-tongue (Yoruba language) on primary school pupils' performance in basic elementary mathematics. Quasi-experimental design of the type pre-test, posttest, nonrandomized and non-equivalent control group was used. The population for the study are all the primary two elementary pupils in Afijio local government area of Oyo state. The target population was 63 pupils from two selected primary schools in Afijio local government area. Purposive sampling technique was employed to choose the school for the experimental study while random sampling was employed to select the other school, intact class was used in both schools. The instruments used were basic elementary mathematics performance test (BEMPT) and basic elementary mathematics retention performance test (BEMRPT). The instruction lasted for eight weeks, using a unified basic two elementary mathematics syllabus, designed by the Federal Ministry of Education. The test –retest method was employed for the reliability of the test instruments. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) was 0.86. Data collected were analysed using t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Three hypotheses guided this study. Findings revealed a significant difference in performance, retention and ability level using mother tongue as a means of instruction among others. Mother-tongue is an essential ingredient to teaching and learning of basic elementary mathematics in primary schools. Therefore it is recommended that schools should employ the use of mother tongue at the first stage of school. Keywords: Mother tongue, performance, mathematics

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