Enhancing Students’ Positive Attitude In Learning Mathematics In Tanzania: Design And Evaluation Of Exemplary Learner Centered Materials For Teaching Set

ABSTRACT

This study reports on the material that were designed for enhancing students‟ attitude

towards Mathematics through learner centered approach in Tanzania secondary

schools. The main purpose was to support the implementation of Competence Based

Curriculum in Form Two Mathematics syllabus. Constructivismwas usedto guide the

design of instructional learning activities. The study concerted and adapteda quasiexperiment

and phenomenology designs using an intervention and control schools.

Data were gathered through documentary review, interviews, questionnaires,

observations, and pre and post tests.The findings and observations from the study

revealed that there was a relationship between students‟ learning with designed

exemplary Mathematics material in Set and students‟ positive attitude on

Mathematics learning. Both teachers and students were found to be more interested

in learning through the designed materials. The materials seemed to be effective in

promoting students‟learning of Mathematics through of competence-based

syllabus.The study concludes that, although teachers are aware of Competence Based

Curriculum, they do not implement it well. The designed approach proved

acceleration of teachers‟ pedagogical content, knowledge and skills in teaching Set

using Learner Centered Approach. The study recommends the material to be adopted

by Mathematics teachers in order to raise students‟ interest.