Abstract

• The main purpose of this study is to investigate into the problems of teaching and learning in mathematics at the middle school level. Specifically, this study aims at identifying the problems of teaching in mathematics and proffering solution to them for teachers and the problems of learning in mathematics for students. The design adopted for this study was a descriptive research design. Four townships were randomly selected from four districts in Yangon Region. One high school and two middle schools from each township were selected by using a stratified random sampling technique. The participants in this study were (600) Grade Seven students and (63) mathematics teachers. The data were collected by means of two questionnaires administered to teachers and students. To get the reliability, a pilot test was administered. The internal consistency of questionnaire for teachers was (.646) and the questionnaire for students was (.614). In the analysis of data, descriptive statistics (percentage) was used. Some of the findings that emerged are: (1) the foundation of most mathematics teachers in mathematics is poor. (2) The students have poor foundation in mathematics. (3) The teaching and learning environment is not conducive. Based on the findings, it was suggested that (a) The state government should, as a matter of urgency, send mathematics teachers to attend training and seminars for effective teaching and learning. (b) The government should endeavor to provide the necessary infrastructures and facilities that will motivate teaching and learning of mathematics.