Assessment of the Readability of Selected Mathematics Texbooks in Secondary Schools on Delta State of Nigeria.

Abstract

This study focused on the assessment of the readability of selected mathematics textbooks in secondary schools in Ukwuani and Ethiope East local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The study employed survey research design. Three senior secondary mathematics textbooks selected were selected and used for the study. The sample comprised of three hundred (300) SS2 and SS3 students purposively selected from thirty (30) government and private owned secondary schools in Ukwuani and Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State. The instrument used is the Students’ Questionnaire on the Readability of Mathematics Textbooks (SQRMT). The data obtained were analyzed with descriptive statistics-percentages and mean. Three research questions were raised to guide the study. The result revealed that: the three selected mathematics textbook conform to the approved guidelines for senior secondary school mathematics curriculum in Nigeria, there are several examples and exercises in the three selected mathematics textbook for students to work with, the three textbooks were found to be readable in terms of the ability of the students to read and understand the contents of the textbook. It was recommended that the readability of mathematics textbook should be determined before they are recommended for use in the secondary schools. Teachers should ensure that the textbooks they are to select contain several examples and exercises as well as ensuring that the material fits wellinto the program.