The Mathematical Association of Ghana (MAG) has attributed the poor performance in Mathematics by students to lack of understanding of the English Language.
The Association says because Mathematical questions are stated in English, it is difficult for many of the students to answer the questions since they do not understand the question in order to interpret.
In an interview with Daily Graphic on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the Vice President of MAG, Timothy Dougbatey, noted that the core issue is translating the English Language to mathematical language to solve.
“The poor performance in mathematics is due to the students’ comprehension of the English language, because mathematics is written in English.
Also, Mr. Dougbatey noted that Mathematics requires constant practice, unlike some other subjects that requires only reading. He says practicing while studying makes one perfect in Mathematics.
“You can’t just take the book and be reading. You need to get a pencil or a pen,” he noted, and that “you have to get a book, you have to get a jotter, or you have to get a marker board. Then you have to start solving the questions,” he explained, adding that constant practice was a challenge for the students.
Speaking on the teachers, the MAG Vice President said most teachers usually dwell on their areas of specialisation, leaving the other topics where they are relatively weaker. He admonished the teachers to try as much as possible to cover the syllabus, while parents also monitor their wards to ensure they keep on track.
“So when the students also learn areas of specialisation, and they go (to the exam halls), and the questions are different, then they are found wanting.
“So, for the part of teachers, we have to teach everything in the syllabus, whether it is our strength or weakness in the knowledge of that topic. We need to relearn and relearn and relearn and then come and teach the students to do exactly what is expected of them.
“Then the parents might also monitor their students constantly,” he stated.
Mr. Dougbatey also advised parents to ensure their children keep practicing with past questions to become familiar with the examination format.
He also shared the Association’s intention to organise programmes for teachers to upgrade their knowledge in the teaching of the subject.
He said the poor performance in Core Maths began as far back as 2006 and that the association realised that students did not have in-depth knowledge of English language comprehension.
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