INFLUENCE OF CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT ON PUPILS’ ENGAGEMENT IN MATHEMATICS IN PANKSHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION AUTHORITY, PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of the classroom environment on pupils' engagement in mathematics in Pankshin Local Government Education Authority, Plateau State. The research was guided by two research questions and adopts a descriptive survey design. The population of the study comprised of 527 public primary school teachers from the 15 public primary schools in Pankshin LGEA. The sample size of the study comprised of 150 teachers from the 15 public primary schools in Pankshin LGEA, using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a 24-item structured questionnaire: Influence of Learning Environment on Pupils Engagement in Mathematics (ICLEPEM) on a 4-point Likert scale of Strongly Agree (4 points), Agree (3 points), Disagree (2 points) and Strongly Disagree (1 point).  The instrument was validated for face and content validity by three experts, two from the Department of Early Childhood Care and Education and one expert from the Measurement and Evaluation unit of the Department of Educational Foundations at the Federal College of Education, Pankshin. Reliability was established using Cronbach's Alpha, resulting to a reliability coefficient of 0.87 which shows that the instrument is reliable. The research questions were analysed using the mean statistics where a mean score of 2.50 and above indicated agreed and a mean score below 2.50 indicated a disagreed. Findings of the study revealed that classroom environment is important because it improves pupil’s critical thinking in mathematics and encourages active learning and participation among others. Findings also revealed that the influence of classroom environment on pupils’ engagement includes among others that it makes pupils enjoy mathematics lessons; it helps pupils to answer questions in mathematics class and makes pupils feel excited when solving mathematics problems in a well-arranged classroom. The study concludes that a well-maintained classroom environment and diversified teaching methods are crucial for fostering pupil engagement, particularly in mathematics. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that schools should actively engage parents and communities in supporting classroom environments by organizing workshops to educate parents about the importance of a conducive learning atmosphere and encouraging community involvement in school activities.