Assessment of Adequacy and Availability of Human and Material Resources for the Implementation of the Nigeria New Senior Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum

Abstract

Abstract

In this study the authors examined the level of adequacy and availability of human and material resources for the implementation of the Nigeria New Mathematics Curriculum. The study was based on the premise that successful implementation of the new mathematics curriculum depends on the availability and adequate human and material resources. This is because if well qualified mathematics teachers and instructional materials are not available, no matter how well structure and intentioned the new mathematics curriculum may be, its successful implementation may not be achieved. The sample consisted of 110 senior secondary school mathematics teachers. They were randomly selected from Abakaliki and Ebonyi local Government Areas, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. One reliable and valid instrument titled “Mathematics Teachers Questionnaire†was used. Results show that there are not enough of qualified mathematics teachers in the schools. A sizeable numbers of the teachers sampled did not read mathematics and some of those who read mathematics did not have requisite teaching qualification. Majority of the teachers did not belong to professional bodies such as Science Teachers Association and Mathematical Association of Nigeria. Many schools do not have instructional facilities and equipment. The author recommends that teachers should be encouraged to become members of professional bodies and teachers without professional qualification advised to do professional courses in education.