IMPACTS OF JIGSAW II CO-OPERATIVE LEARNING STRATEGY ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND RETENTION IN MENSURATION AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

The main concepts, procedures, and logic that solve problems are the focus of mathematics. It is generally acknowledged as being essential to any society's progress. This is so because a country's ability to develop is reliant on its progress in science and technology. But without mathematics, science and technology are impossible (Musa, 2006). All fields of study, including science, technology, business, agriculture, and health, use mathematics. Maths is one of the fundamental disciplines that students at both the basic and post-basic levels of education are required to study because of its significance.

Thus, the study of mathematics is essential for the advancement of the individual as well as the country. Mensuration is the branch of geometry that deals with measuring an object to compare its dimensions to a set of standard units (Odili, 2006). Mensuration is further described as a science of numerical representation of geometrical magnitudes by Musa and Bolaji (2015).These measures, which include lengths, area measurements, and volume measurements, can be made linearly. Because most objects that humans deal with have some shape that has either area or volume, mensuration is crucial. Odili (2006) highlighted that humans inhabit three-dimensional, volume-filled space. Mensuration can therefore be thought of as the foundation of geometry study.

According to Hassan (2010), geometry is the area of mathematics that examines space and spatial relationships.It's a method of thinking that can be applied to comprehend and examine hypothetical physical and geographical environments. According to Choi (2013), geometry provides opportunities for students to analyse and contemplate the material world, allowing them to make connections between geometry and their everyday experiences. The study of geometry greatly aids in the development of pupils' deductive reasoning, problem-solving, and critical and logical thinking abilities. Therefore, mathematical thinking originates from geometry. It piques man's interest in noticing shapes all around him and speculating about their relationships, which piques attention even more and promotes investigation.

Mathematically speaking, geometry is a fascinating field with many intriguing puzzles and unexpected theorems. According to Hassan (2010), applying geometric ideas and theorems is a life skill that is required in a variety of professions.In actuality, mastering geometry improves knowledge of other mathematical topics significantly. This is due to the fact that geometrical drawings are typically employed to clearly visualise other mathematical topics.Therefore, to state that geometry is the mother of all other branches of mathematics and that it occupies the highest practical aspect of mathematics would not be an exaggeration.Consequently, it may be claimed that the teaching and learning of geometry require the utmost attention if mathematics is to be made relevant and engaging.

Nevertheless, despite the value of mathematics to both individuals and society as a whole, assessments of the literature consistently show persistently low student performance across the board.For example, Eniayeju and Azuka (2010) bemoaned the fact that, between 2000 and 2009, less than 40% of Nigerian students received credit passes in mathematics for each of the ten years of the SSCE, according to data from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). Uyuota (2006) correctly warned that subpar secondary mathematics performance has a knock-on effect on postsecondary mathematics.

Furthermore, low performance was defined by Olusunde and Olaleye (2010) as a decline in a nation's financial investment. It is also clear that Kano State senior secondary school pupils do poorly in mathematics. Data gathered from the Kano Educational Resource Department (KERD) showed that a historically high percentage of applicants consistently scored badly in mathematics on the SSCE.