Investigation of Knowledge and Performance of Students in Geometrical Construction and Loci among Secondary School Students in Zamfara, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to examine the secondary schools students knowledge and performance in construction and loci. The research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Quasi-experimental (pre-test, post-test, Non-equivalent control group design) was used for the study. The population of the study was Senior Secondary Two (SSII) students in Zamfara State admitted in 2016/17 session. The distribution of the population was male and female students from different background, culture and locations. Stratified Random Sampling Technique was adopted in selecting the sample size. The instrument used for the study was the Achievement Test on Construction and Loci (ATOCAL). Two lesson plans and marking guide was developed for the study. The test items, lesson plan and marling guide were validated by experts in mathematics education and measurement and evaluation from reputable university. The reliability of the instrument was determined by using Cronbach alpha value of 0.83 and 0.78. Sample of 240 students were drawn from the three senatorial districts of Zamfara state. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer research questions and t-test for testing the hypotheses. Finding from the study revealed that students performance in construction and loci test in all the three senatorial districts is very poor. The performance range from zero (0) to four (4) out of 50 marks and that gender has no effect on their performance. Among the recommendation made by researchers is re-training of mathematics teachers in the teachings of construction and loci using varieties of instructional strategies.