PREDICTORS OF PUPILS'ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS

Abstract

The study investigated textbook utilization and class participation as predictors of academic achievement in mathematics in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State. Survey research design was adopted for this study. 480 primary six pupils were randomly selected. Three (3) research instruments were used for data gathering- Questionnaire on Pupils' Utilization of Mathematics Textbooks (QPUMT), Observation Scale Measuring Pupils' Participation in Mathematics Class (OSMPPMC) and Matheatic Achievement Test (MAT). Both QPUMT (α =0.84) and OSMPPMC(a =0.87) were validated and tested for reliability with Cronbach's Alpha while MAT( was K-R20=0.72)equally validated and tested for reliability with the use of Kuder-Richardson Formular 20(KR20).Analysis of data was carried out using multiple linear regression. The findings showed that there was positive relationship among textbook utilization (r =.597),class participation(r=.607))and pupils' academic achievement. The predictor variables were significant in their composite contribution to the prediction of academic achievement in mathematics (F(2,477)=267.963;R=.727,R^2=.529,Adj.R for by the predictor variables. Also, the predictor variables were significant in their relative contribution to the prediction of academic achievement in mathematics. Class participation of the it was recommended that teachers should use teaching strategies or methods that will foster active the recommended Mathematics textbooks.