The Effects of Proper Understanding of Mathematical Language on the Mathematics Achievement of Students in Secondary Schools in Nakuru County, Kenya

This study was carried out to determine the effects of the proper understanding of Mathematical language on the mathematics achievement of students in secondary schools in Nakuru County. The objective of the study was to establish the role which the English language plays in the mathematics achievement of students in secondary schools in Nakuru County. This study adopted ex post facto research design. The respondents were selected using both simple and stratified random sampling. Data was collected through the use of classroom observations, and students’ achievement test items using unfamiliar mathematical terms and familiar mathematical terms. Analysis of data was done using both descriptive and inferential statistics. For descriptive statistics means were used. Anova was employed for the inferential statistics. The study found out that students performed better when they were given test items containing mathematical concepts which have been simplified as compared to students who were given test items containing unfamiliar mathematical concepts. It is recommended that the teaching and learning of mathematics should break down the language contained in mathematics syllabus into simpler language that the learners can easily understand.