Theoretical Framework

According to Robert Gagne Mathematical Skills are learned through demonstrations and
various types of drill and practice such as worksheets, work at the chalkboard, group activities
and games. This meant that a highly qualified and experienced Mathematics is needed to teach
the class in order for the skills to be transferred. Gagne also stated that Mathematics Principles
can be learned through processes of scientific inquiry, guided discovery lessons, group
discussions, the use of problem solving strategies, and demonstrations. This suggests that there
must be someone with lots of experiences in the field of Mathematics in order to guide students
to discover and discuss strategies to solve problems in Mathematics. Further this theorist
highlighted that mathematics teachers should develop testing and observation techniques to
recognize students viewpoints of the concepts and principles which they are teaching in
Mathematics. This is no easy task for a teacher .It takes a teacher with lots of experiences in the
field of teaching Mathematics to develop testing and observation techniques. Many will agree
that experience and qualification go hand in hand, thus a qualified Mathematics teacher is one
who can also develop good testing and observation techniques not an unskilled teacher.
In his Cumulative Learning Theory Gagne stated that for learning to take place the following must
happen in a sequential order: gaining attention, informing learners of the objective,
stimulating recall of prior learning, presenting the stimulus, providing learning guidance,
eliciting performance, pr ovi di ng f eedback, as s es s i ng per f or mance and,
enhancing retention and transfer. This type of instructions can only happen under a trained
experience and qualified teacher. A teacher with these qualities is the one who will break down
complex skill into manageable skills for students to master Mathematics concepts. Therefore,
Gagnes theory is implying that the qualifications and experiences of Mathematics teachers can
make the subject an interesting one for students, thus higher student achievement in
Mathematics.
Gagne claimed that external factors that surround ones behavior impact on learning.
Students can see the gender of the teacher as an external factor that can impact their Mathematics
learning. Many students, especially males may see the male Mathematics teacher more effective
as against the female Mathematics teacher. If the male students do not have the male teacher they
become less interested in the Mathematics lessons and they just loose interest for the subject,
hence achievement in Mathematics for them begins to drop. This may go the same way for
female students who may be more comfortable with a female teacher teaching them the subject.
In summary, it is essential for Mathematics teachers to become qualified and experienced
in order to deliver Mathematics concepts effectively so that students performance can be
maximized. Also, consideration should be taken to ensure students are comfortable and satisfied
with the gender of the teacher who is teaching them Mathematics. This can determine their
likeness for the subject.