ASSESSING THE GEOMETRY PROFICIENCY OF UPPER BASIC EDUCATION STUDENTS FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

The paper evaluated the proficiency levels of Upper Basic Education Three (UBE 3) students in Pankshin LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional survey research design. The population of the study consisted of 3932 students comprising of 1833 males and 2099 females) from 350 UBE schools. Using a population estimate with a precision of 5%, and 10% respectively, the sample consisted18 UBE schools and 393 students made up of 195 males and 198 females formed the sample of the study. The sample sizes were determined using the Probability Proportionate to Size (PPS) sampling technique. A self-developed Geometry Proficiency Scale (GPS) served as the instrument for data collection. The content validity of the GPS was demonstrated through a Test Blue- Print and the judgment of four experts. Cronbach Alpha statistics was used to establish the reliability of the instrument. A coefficient of 0.79 was established which implies that the instrument was reliable. The study was guided by five research questions and all were answered using percentages. The findings showed that the students lacked proficiency in all the four geometry curriculum areas under investigation. Among other things, it was suggested that measurement specialists develop geometry competence instruments that the UBE3 students would utilize to improve their proficiency.