Objectives of Teaching Mathematics at the Upper Level of Universal Basic
Education (UBE)
Name: Momoh Abduljamiu oshiobuye
Matric Number: 240113016
Course: EST 154
Department: science and tech
Faculty : Maths education
Date: June 2025
100 level
---
Introduction
Mathematics is a core subject in the Universal Basic Education (UBE)
programme, playing a crucial role in equipping learners with essential skills
for daily living and higher learning. At the upper level of UBE (Primary 4-6
and Junior Secondary School 1-3), teaching mathematics becomes more
structured and application-oriented to prepare learners for both academic
advancement and practical life challenges.
---
Definition
Mathematics is the science that deals with numbers, quantities, shapes,
space, and logical reasoning. It involves operations, patterns, and problem-
solving processes that help individuals understand and interpret their
environment.
The Upper Level of Universal Basic Education (UBE) refers to the segment of
Nigeria's educational system that covers Primary 4 to Primary 6 and Junior
Secondary School (JSS) 1 to JSS 3. The UBE programme was introduced to
provide free, compulsory, and qualitative basic education for every Nigerian
child.
---
Types of Objectives in Teaching Mathematics
The objectives of teaching mathematics at the upper UBE level can be
broadly categorized into:
1. Cognitive Objectives:
Focused on knowledge acquisition and intellectual development.
Includes understanding mathematical concepts, problem-solving, and logical
reasoning.
2. Affective Objectives:
Related to developing positive attitudes towards mathematics.
Encourages confidence, interest, and appreciation of mathematics in real-life
situations.
3. Psychomotor Objectives:
Concerned with practical and manipulative skills.
Involves the use of tools like rulers, protractors, calculators, and applying
concepts physically.
---
Properties of Effective Mathematical Objectives
For objectives to be effective, they must possess the following properties:
Specific: Clearly state what is to be achieved.
Measurable: Outcomes should be observable or assessable.
Achievable: Realistic for learners' age and cognitive development.
Relevant: Should align with curriculum demands and societal needs.
Time-bound: Objectives should be achievable within a specific period.
---
Classes Being Taught from Primary to Senior Secondary School
Upper Primary School (Primary 4 to Primary 6)
At this level, mathematics teaching focuses on:
Developing numeracy and arithmetic skills.
Introducing measurement, geometry, and simple statistics.
Encouraging logical reasoning and systematic problem-solving.
Laying the foundation for higher mathematical thinking.
Junior Secondary School (JSS 1 to JSS 3)
Here, the objectives expand to:
Deepening understanding of arithmetic operations.
Introducing algebraic expressions and simple equations.
Expanding knowledge of geometry and measurement.
Developing basic statistical skills, including data representation.
Encouraging application of mathematics to solve real-life problems.
Senior Secondary School (SSS 1 to SSS 3)
Although outside the UBE programme, the foundation laid in the UBE level
prepares students for:
Advanced topics like trigonometry, calculus, and further algebra.
Applying mathematics in scientific, engineering, and technological fields.
Enhancing critical thinking and analytical skills for higher education and daily
life.
---
25 Multiple Choice Questions
1. The main purpose of teaching mathematics at the upper UBE level is to:
A. Memorize formulas only
B. Develop problem-solving and reasoning skills ✔️
C. Avoid calculations
D. Learn foreign languages
2. Affective objectives in mathematics focus on:
A. Memorization
B. Positive attitudes towards mathematics ✔️
C. Forgetting formulas
D. Avoiding mathematics
3. Which is a cognitive objective?
A. Drawing only
B. Solving real-life problems ✔️
C. Playing games
D. Singing songs
4. An example of a psychomotor objective is:
A. Using a ruler and protractor correctly ✔️
B. Singing songs
C. Memorizing dates
D. Avoiding tools
5. One property of effective objectives is:
A. Irrelevance
B. Vagueness
C. Specificity ✔️
D. Impossibility
6. In Upper Primary School, students are introduced to:
A. Advanced calculus
B. Basic geometry and statistics ✔️
C. University-level mathematics
D. Music
7. Mathematics helps learners to:
A. Become confused
B. Develop logical reasoning ✔️
C. Memorize irrelevant facts
D. Avoid challenges
8. The UBE programme in Nigeria is:
A. Optional
B. Free and compulsory ✔️
C. For university students only
D. Paid for by students
9. Positive attitude towards mathematics is an example of:
A. Cognitive objective
B. Affective objective ✔️
C. Psychomotor objective
D. Social objective
10. Practical use of mathematics includes:
A. Guessing answers
B. Constructing buildings ✔️
C. Avoiding numbers
D. Playing only
11. In JSS, students learn:
A. Algebraic expressions ✔️
B. Nursery rhymes
C. Basic spelling
D. Poems only
12. A good objective should be:
A. Achievable ✔️
B. Impossible
C. Irrelevant
D. Vague
13. Tools used for psychomotor objectives include:
A. Calculator and ruler ✔️
B. Microphone
C. Blackboard eraser
D. Textbook only
14. Problem-solving helps students to:
A. Avoid mathematics
B. Apply knowledge practically ✔️
C. Ignore instructions
D. Forget formulas
15. Logical reasoning is important in:
A. Guesswork
B. Mathematics ✔️
C. Singing
D. Drawing only
16. At the senior secondary level, mathematics prepares students for:
A. Nursery school
B. Higher education and professions ✔️
C. Only singing competitions
D. Avoiding learning
17. One reason for teaching mathematics is to:
A. Confuse learners
B. Develop analytical skills ✔️
C. Increase fear
D. Memorize irrelevant information
18. Basic statistics involves:
A. Music
B. Data collection and interpretation ✔️
C. Story writing
D. Painting
19. Geometry deals with:
A. Numbers only
B. Shapes, space, and measurements ✔️
C. Singing
D. Grammar
20. The UBE upper level covers:
A. Nursery school only
B. Primary 4 to JSS 3 ✔️
C. Only universities
D. Kindergarten
21. Measuring angles is part of:
A. Poetry
B. Geometry ✔️
C. Singing
D. Dancing
22. Good objectives should be:
A. Time-bound ✔️
B. Undefined
C. Impossible
D. Vague
23. Real-life application of mathematics includes:
A. Cooking
B. Building structures ✔️
C. Singing competitions
D. Storytelling
24. Algebra helps students to:
A. Avoid mathematics
B. Understand unknown quantities ✔️
C. Ignore numbers
D. Forget learning
25. Teaching mathematics improves:
A. Problem-solving ability ✔️
B. Fear of numbers
C. Laziness
D. Memorization without understanding
---
References
Federal Ministry of Education (2008). Universal Basic Education Programme
Implementation Guidelines. Abuja: FME.
Zaslavsky, C. (1999). Africa Counts: Number and Pattern in African Cultures.
Lawrence Hill Books.
National Council on Education (2004). National Policy on Education. Lagos:
NERDC Press.
Ifrah, G. (2000). The Universal History of Numbers. Wiley.
---
