Influence of On-The-Job Training of Beginning Teachers (Novice) On Students’ Achievement in Mathematics at Senior Secondary Schools in Delta State

Authors

Dr. S. B. Ijeh
Department of Science Education, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
Prof. I. Njoseh, Prof. J. N. Igabari
Department of Mathematics, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
Dr. J. F. O. Akpomedaye
Department of Vocational Education, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
Prof. P. U. Osadebe, Dr. E. Enakpoya
Department of Guidance and Counseling, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study used a correlational survey design with a population of 1,421 teachers to assess the influence of new teachers' on-the-job training on students' mathematics achievement at senior secondary schools in Delta State. 370 teachers who were sampled using the stratified random sampling technique took part in the study. Data collection was carried out via a teacher questionnaire. The first part contained the demographic variables. The second part contained ten items which measured teachers’ content knowledge of the subject. The third part contained thirty items which measured utilisation of resources and the fourth part contained ten items which measured teachers’ classroom management. Three expert opinions from the Department of Science Education and Measurement and Evaluation were used to validate the instrument. The data received from the respondents was examined using Pearson product moment correlation at a significance level of 0.05. The findings revealed a strong positive correlation between teachers' subject-matter knowledge, use of instructional resources and classroom management as a result of on-the-job training and students' mathematics achievement. Therefore, it was recommended that the Delta State government prioritise on-the-job training for mathematics teachers in order to improve their subject-matter knowledge, use of instructional resources and classroom management.