The Use of Games and Active Learning to Improve Academic Performance in Mathematics

Mathematics is one of the core subjects that play a key role in students' matriculation in the academic sphere and a vital part of the requirements for obtaining a job. Therefore it is very important for students to master the Mathematical concepts so that they can matriculate smoothly to the next level. As stated by Porter (1996) the everyday use of arithmetic and the display of information by means of graphs, are an everyday commonplace mainly the Primary aspects of mathematics. Additionally, advanced mathematics is widely used, but often in an unseen and unadvertised way. Mathematics is crucial not only for success in school, but in being an informed citizen, being productive in one's chosen career, and in personal fulfillment. In the

technology driven society that now exist, greater demands have been placed on individuals to interpret and use mathematics to make sense of information and complex situations.

During the primary school years the focus is on learning the basic operation for concept computation. However as students progress into their secondary school years greater emphasis is placed on the practice and reinforcement of basic math facts and operations while at the same time increasing the depth of understanding of skills. This view is endorsed by the Ministry of Education in Ontario (2005) which states the study of mathematics equips students with knowledge, skills, and habits of mind that are essential for successful and rewarding participation in such a society. Mathematics deals with learning concepts in a way that will serve them well throughout their lives, students need classroom experiences that will help them to develop mathematical understanding; learn important facts, skills, and procedures; develop the ability to apply the processes of mathematics; and most importantly develop/acquire a positive attitude towards mathematics. When this does not happen it would elicit some kind of intervention that will seek to improve students' performance in the area. Since Mathematics is that important students cannot be allow to fail.

This chapter deals with the Literature review. The purpose of this review is to provide supporting details surrounding the problem of Mathematics difficulties and its impact on academic performance. It will give a better understanding of Mathematics, characteristics, etiology and prevalence. It also serves to give theoretical evidence that the problem is indeed affecting student's performance in Mathematics and to prove or support the researcher's view.