DROPPING LEVELS OF MATHS

Trend of Dropping Levels of Maths Performance

Table of Contents

Introduction and Background1

Critical Review2

Research Questions and objectives3

PISA4

Research Method5

Rationale for a Qualitative Study5

Research Approach6

Data Analysis6

Definition of Qualitative Research7

Consideration of Qualitative Research7

Secondary Data7

Ethical Concerns8

Limitations of Research9

Trend of Dropping Levels of Maths Performance by High School in EU Countries

Introduction and Background

Mathematics has always been a tool that sharpens the intellect. It requires a person to think systematically, logically and precisely. It occupies a significant role in the school curriculum. Nowadays, it is undoubtedly true that a strong mathematical background is required for many job opportunities and career in this highly competitive world. It plays a very fundamental role in the economic development of a country. 'In our generation towards scientific and technological advancement, we need nothing short of good performance in mathematics at all levels of schooling' (Tella, 2007).

Unfortunately, 'students performance in mathematics at the end of secondary education has not improved in the past decade 'research' (Umoinyang, 1999) has shown that 'each year the students have been unable to achieve the satisfactory level in maths; in other words performing poorly' (Schoenfeld, 1985, p.45).

However, a study has shown that 'the declining popularity of mathematics among students and poor mathematical performance of students' (Mayer, Tajika, & Stanley, 1991) has become a global concern for the past years (PISA, 2003). The latest round of PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) tests took place in 2009 and many EU countries OECD average in Mathematics has declined compared to previous years (2003 & 2006). However, the aim of this research proposal is to determine whether the trend of dropping levels of maths performance by high school students in EU countries is affecting Canary Islands (Spain) in the same way. Are Canary Islands experiencing the same trend?

The Canary Islands are located at the northwest coast of mainland Africa and is made up of a total of seven Islands. The total combined population of these islands is 2,117,519. While carrying out the research proposal in Canary Islands I am only going to focus on students from bilingual compulsory secondary education which is known as (Educación Segundaria Obligatoria). It has four years of schooling for students from age 12 to 16.

Critical Review

Many studies have shown that there are many factors which affect the poor performance of students in mathematics such as physiological, social, emotional, intellectual and pedagogical which may cause 'maths-aversion' (R.Yasoda, 2009).

In a research study a recent TIMMS 2003 data showed that 'Filipino students' poor mathematical performance has placed in the 30th rank out of 38 national wide. Their purpose of the study was to verify Filipino college students' positive and negative beliefs about mathematics and mathematical problem solving by administering the 36-item self-report questionnaire through stratified random sampling. They also aimed at analysing possible differences in mathematics related to gender, year level, and field of specialization by using correlations, t tests and multiple analyses' (Giovanni, 2010). Finally, their statistical tests found out that gender difference in positive beliefs can increase the mathematical ...