Effects of Games Strategy on the Pupils Performance in Mathematics

The study investigated the effects of Games Strategy on enhancing pupils’ performance in Mathematics. Poor performance in Mathematics is a worldwide problem, but in Tanzania it is a callus problem at all levels. This study was focused on exploring the effectiveness of games strategy to (i) the participation of pupils during the lessons (ii) pupils pass rate and (iii) the time consumed on teaching selected topics. The study was quasi-experimental, purposive and it was mainly quantitative; where Class 4 pupils of Mzambarauni Mixed School Wete Pemba were the sample of the study. Data were collected through observation and testing (pre-test and post-test). Almost all lessons were conducted through competitive games. The collected data were analyzed through calculating means, percentages and distribution of frequencies in order to find variance between two classes. The findings show that rate of pupils’ participation was high in experimental class than in control one, pass rate was better in class of games than in the class using traditional methods; and it was also found that, through games the selected topics were taught without much utilization of time. A researcher recommended to Education Management System on creating friendly environment which will convincing and guiding teachers and students to use games strategy as a technique in learning and teaching Mathematics. Key words: Mathematics, pass rate, time consumption, pupils’ performance, games strategy, pupils’ participation, pre-test, post- test and test scores