ASSESSING IMPACT OF FIRST-WAVE OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC LOCKDOWN ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MATHEMATICS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of the initial wave of the COVID-19 epidemic lockdown on the mathematical academic performance of secondary school learners in the state of Anambra. Two research questions and purpose of study served as the study's compass. Descriptive survey research design was employed, with a total population of 1,944 participants. There are 110 SS II learners in the study's sample. Multi-stage sampling method was used. Three schools out of 19 were selected in the first step using basic random sampling. Simple random selection was used to choose one class stream from each of the three schools for the second step. Three professionals validated the instrument. The Cronbach Alpha technique was used to test for dependability, and the result was 0.89. Statistical mean scores were used to analyze the data that was gathered. The data analysis's findings showed leaners' academic performance in mathematics was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Additionally, gender performance in mathematics was unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Among other recommendations, it was suggested that the relevant bodies modify the curriculum to accommodate the changing academic timetable brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.