THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCORES OF MATHEMATICS KNOWLEDGE AND TEACHING PRACTICE OF DIPLOMA MATHEMATICS STUDENTS: A QUEST FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between scores in mathematics knowledge and teaching practice of Diploma mathematics students. A sample of 39 students was used. Two research questions and two hypotheses were asked and formulated respectively. An ex-post facto correlation design was used. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s product moment correlation and simple regression analyses. The findings revealed that mathematics knowledge scores was not a good predictor of teaching practice scores.  Again Mathematics knowledge had no significant relationship with teaching practice scores of students. Recommendations based on the findings of the study are that mathematics knowledge should include ways that specialized mathematics knowledge can be developed and the subject should be taught encouraging active engagement, social interaction, mini teaching and student teachers should be encouraged to attend regular workshops and seminars to acquaint themselves with requisite skills.