Predicting student's performance in SSCE mathematics from their performance in JSCE mathematics

Abstract

Mathematics, as a subject, has remained as one of the backbones of education at all levels of' learning. Although the recurring decline in mathematics performance at the senior secondary level has become a perpetual concern to stakeholders in the education sector. Therefore, the study investigated the prediction of students' performance in Senior School Certificate Examination Mathematics from the Junior School Certificate Examination performance in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. A correlational design was adopted for the study The sample for the study was composed of 464 students, drawn using purposive sampling technique. The study answered two research questions, and tested two hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The assembled data was subjected to linear regression statistics. Consequently, the findings revealed that student's 2014 JSCE Mathematics is a significant negative predictor of their 2017 SSCE Mathematics performance (F = -0.259, P < O. 05). While 2013 JSCE Mathematics performance does not significantly predict their 2016 SSCE Mathematics performance in public secondary schools in Obio/Akpor L. G A (F 0.018, P > 0.05). Effective testing approaches such as the use of Computer Based Testing (CBT) should be explored in JSCE and WAEC examination, to reduce the influence ofextraneous variable in students ' Mathematics performance.