Grade 12 learner's performance in Mathematics: a case of two secondary schools in Nzhelele West Circuit, Vhembe West District, Limpopo Province

Abstract

The National Senior Certificate Examination results for Mathematics have recently declined, particularly in the Province of Limpopo. The purpose of this study is to investigate factors that contribute to Grade 12 learners’ performance in secondary schools in Nzhelele West Circuit. The study adopted a qualitative research design to unearth participants’ experiences regarding the topic under investigation. The populations of the study were the learners, educators, departmental heads, and principals of two secondary schools in Nzhelele West Circuit. The sample size of twenty-eight participants was purposively selected from two secondary schools. The unstructured questions were used to collect data from the participants in which interviews (individual and focus-group) would be conducted. Collected data from interviews were analysed through themes and coding. Key concepts: Cognitive Development, Constructivism, Learners’ Performance, Poor Performan