Children’s Mathematics Performance and Drawing Activities: A Constructive Correlation

Abstract

There have been series of concerns raised on the general performance in mathematics in Ghana. This study, a mixed method research, looked into the use of drawings in mathematics teaching in improving 62 pupils’ performance at the Ayigya M/A Primary School A, where performance of pupils in mathematics is low. Observation, interviews, achievement test and pictorial likert scale were used to examine relationships between discovery learning and mathematics performance. Pupil performance was obtained by analysing the continuous assessment cards from the previous year. Pre- and post test assessments were administered to measure improvement in pupil performance. Data analysis revealed that drawing activities significantly improved pupil performance in mathematics. The interventions employed also heightened pupils’ interest in the learning of mathematics. Theory in the literature attests to the fact that the arts are very useful to education by establishing a relationship between thinking and the material with which teachers and their students work. This knowledge can be capitalized by professionals in curriculum research and development.

Keywords: Mathematics, drawing activities, discovery learning, pupil