Comparative study of valuing in mathematics among college lecturers and their students

Abstract

The study aimed to examine the values Colleges of Education mathematics lecturers and their students possess in the learning of mathematics. The study population comprised all mathematics lecturers and their students in the 46 public Colleges of Education in Ghana. Colleges of Education lecturers and students were chosen because the study aimed to compare lecturers and students at college of education values in mathematics hence making the context relevant to this study. Questionnaires were chosen as the instrument for collecting data to address the questions posed for the quantitative phase of this study, since the opinion of a large number of respondents were drawn for the study. Descriptive statistics, Multivariate Analysis of Variance and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. The study indicated that colleges of education lecturers place value on several key aspects in the teaching and learning of mathematics which include mathematical problem-solving, strategies, resources, control and connections. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that professional development programs be organised for College Lecturers to enhance their understanding and appreciation for the values students place on mathematics education, particularly in areas such as procedure, strategies, Information and Communication Technology and control. Also, encourage the integration of Information and Communication Technology in mathematics to close the knowledge gap between students and lecturers in terms of valuing in mathematics. This can help create a more interactive and engaging learning environment for both parties.