Abstract:
This study investigated factors contributing to learner performance in mathematics in some selected
schools in Motheo District. Three schools made up of – one secondary school (in Mangaung); two secondary schools
(in Botshabelo) in Motheo District. Seven educators from each school comprising of three male and three female
educators teaching mathematics and one head of department for mathematics were sampled from the population. A
quantitative research method has been used to gather data regarding factors that contributes towards learner performance.
Factors are: the attitudes of learners towards mathematics; the use of English; and experience of teachers; the
resources provided by the department of education and also the support from learner’s parents. It has been found that
learners are demotivated by their parents and peers saying that mathematics is the difficult subject which needs clever
people. In conclusion teachers and parents must be actively involved in the education of learners.