EFFECT OF LARGE CLASS ON STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN BASIC ALGEBRA IN LAGOS STATE

Olutayo, David Olanrewaju & Ojoawo, Olu Olaniyi.

Department of Mathematics/Statistics

School of Science Education

Federal College of Education(Technical), Akoka, Lagos

Email:tayodav2004@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract: This study investigated the extent to which large class size determined the students’ achievement in Basic Algebra in Secondary Schools. The research design used was quasi experimental design which adopted a pre test and a post test; two secondary schools were selected in Agege local government area for the study. The research instrument used was student mathematics achievement test (SMAT). Samples of 200 JSS2 students for large class size were used in each of the two schools. The SMAT contained 20 multiple choice questions for the pre test and 30 multiple choice questions for the post test. The ANCOVA analysis (analysis of covariance) was used to analyse the data. The three research hypothesis which guided the study was tested at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that large class size affects the students’ achievement in Basic Algebra while school type does not. When combined the large class and the school type the result was significant. This study will be of great important to educational planners, school authorities, educational researchers and the governments. It was recommended that the school management and the government should take necessary steps to maintain the teacher – pupil ratio in all the secondary schools, build more school blocks to cater for students in large class size, and employing more teachers to cater for the students educational needs among others.