USING DRAMA IN TEACHING MATHEMATICS AT THE BASIC AND SENIOR SECONDARY LEVELS IN NIGERIA TO ENHANCE LITERACY

Mathematics is a service subject and very vital in the life of every student for effective functioning both in school and society. It is an indispensable tool in human development and is essentially needed for sustaining science and technological development in every society. This study therefore looked at using drama in teaching mathematics at the basic and senior secondary school level in Nigeria to enhance literacy. This study was undertaken based on observations and firsthand experience obtained from mathematics classroom which revealed that many students are probably afraid of mathematics and some who are able to understand some mathematical concepts seem not able to apply them in solving real life problems. Therefore this paper discussed the concept of drama and utilization of drama in teaching and learning of Mathematics in basic and senior secondary schools for effective learning outcome. The use of drama in Mathematics classroom activities appeal to individual learner's attention by enabling them to think and figure out problems with ease and confidence and so engender interest in Mathematics Education (ME). Some challenges facing the teaching and learning of the subject in conventional classroom are highlighted. The paper recommends the use of drama to teach Mathematics as a paradigm shift from the conventional classroom where the teacher is taking the center stage solving examples on the board which may be of no value when students confront situations where to apply mathematical concepts in everyday life or issue. The use of drama provide relevant and real situations to get learners see the significance and validity of mathematics in all aspects of life.