ASSESSMENT OF PRE-SERVICE MATHEMATICS TEACHERS AND LECTURERS’ NEEDS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MATHEMATICS EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA

OLAJIDE OLUBUNMI  C.  OLAJIDE OLUBUNMI  C.; OLUDIPE, BIMBOLA D OLUDIPE, BIMBOLA D; ADETAYO JANET O ADETAYO JANET O

OLAJIDE OLUBUNMI C. Science and Technology Education Department, Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
OLUDIPE, BIMBOLA D Science and Technology Education Department, Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
ADETAYO JANET O Science and Technology Education Department, Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State

Abstract

Mathematics is a major subject at the secondary school level that have implication for daily routine of every human being. It importance to individual and society cannot be over emphasised. However, students’ poor performance in the subject which has been blamed on the teachers suggest that all is not well the teacher training that produces Mathematics teachers. Thus, the study assessed pre-service mathematics teachers and lecturers’ needs in the implementation of Mathematics education programme in Nigeria. The study adopted a qualitative survey research design. Purposive sampling technique was adopted to select twelve (12) pre-service teachers (100 level), twelve (12) Mathematics lecturers and twelve (12) Mathematics education lecturers for interview purposes. Qualitative data for the study were obtained through interviews. Lecturers’ Needs Interview Guide (LNIG) is semi-structured interview guide designed by the researcher to elicit the needs and concerns of facilitators of Mathematics education programmes. The guide contains instrument contains eight (8) open-ended questions. Data was analysed using Thematic Analysis. Result shows that the lecturers’ needs and expectations are good facilities and equipment, quality graduates, good remuneration and curriculum review, but majority revealed that it has not been met due to several challenges. Also, pre-service teachers’ needs are good grades, conducive learning environment and quality learning, which have not been met due to several challenges. Drawing from the findings the expectations of the lecturers and students were not met due to several challenges. It is recommended that Government should release funds to the university system to revitalise the university system which would help in the procurement of instructional material, equipment, construction of more good facilities.