AN INVESTIGATIVE STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF MASS FAILURE IN MATHEMATICS IN EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to find out the causes of mass failure in Senior School Certificate Examination in Mathematics in Ijebu-North Local Government Area of Ogun State.Data were collected through the use of relevant library materials, questionnaires, interviews and observation. The Chi square (X2) statistical test was used to analyze the data collected.It was found that causes of mass failure in Mathematics include the following: inadequate number of qualified teachers of Mathematics; inadequate instructional materials for the teaching of the subject; poor attitudes of students towards learning the subject; inadequate period allocated to the teaching of the subject; and government’s inadequate contribution towards the teaching and learning of the subject.It was therefore recommended that more qualified teachers and adequate instructional materials be supplied in the schools and more periods be allocated for the teaching and learning of Mathematics.