Improving low passing rate in mathematics course at higher learning education: Problem identification and strategies towards development of mobile app

Mobile apps are gaining more popular with the increase users in mobile devices. The devices are light and easy to bring along. Therefore, there are convenient tool for learners to learn. The study explores the application of mobile apps to improve low passing rate course in mathematics at higher learning institution. Qualitative approach was used in the study. Besides analyzing the Final Examination reports for seven consecutive semesters starting from April 2014 to April 2016, the study also collected qualitative data from all mathematics lecturers from Department of Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sarawak Branch. Management tools such as root cause analysis, plan-do-check-act method and tree diagram were used to analyze the data. The study identified four main factors and 14 sub-factors for the cause of the problems. There were three strategies identified to solve the problems. The priori strategy was developed as a mobile app for teaching and learning Business Mathematics.