Educators' perceptions on performance of secondary school learners in mathematics and science in the Mafikeg District of the North West Province

[摘要] The purpose of the study is to determine the perception or views ofmathematics and science educators on performance of grade 12 learners inMafikeng district. Little has been written about secondary school educators'views with regard to performance of learners in Mathematics and Science indeveloping countries like South Africa.The survey method was used to gather data. A 31 item questionnaire wasused to evaluate perception of educators in the areas of: Support foreducators, Educator involvement, Conditions for teaching and Educators'perception on how educational change affects performance of learners inMathematics and Science.The subjects of the study were 89 Mathematics and Science educators in theMafikeng district. The sample was selected from the 31 high schools includingsenior secondary schools in the district. The empirical investigation conductedrevealed that parental involvement in their children's studies is a seriousproblem that needs immediate attention, in addition to educator qualificationsand lack of learning support materials. The study also revealed that improvingperformance of learners, responsibility and involvement of educators,learners, parents, government and community is essential.The conclusions drawn from the study show that educators' perceptions onperformance of learners in Mathematics and Science entail cooperative andsupportive structure, regular communication among staff and monitoring ofschool work for both educators and learners is very important. It is alsoimportant that the findings of the research be implemented to improve learnerperformance.

[发布机构] North-West University