Factors influencing students’ poor performance in geography subject in Tanzania: A case of community secondary schools in Morogoro municipality
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2017
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mzumbe University
Abstract
The study was mainly aimed at investigating factors influencing students‟ poor performance in Geography subject in Morogoro Municipal community secondary schools. The problem persisted despite the availability of qualified geography teachers and some basic infrastructure such as classrooms. The target population was 4 community secondary schools which were selected based on their performance in previous Geography national examinations. The respondents were selected purposively include: 4 heads of schools, 4 senior academic masters/mistresses, 12 geography teachers, MSEO, and 2 SQAs. However, 72 students were selected through stratified random sampling. The study used case study research method. Questionnaires were used for both teachers and students. Interview was conducted to the school administrators, geography teachers, MSEO and SQAs. Focus Group Discussions were used for students. Furthermore, classroom observation technique was used. Checklist was used to find out the availability of relevant resources in the schools. The collected data were classified, analysed through SPSS-version 20, then interpreted using descriptive statistical techniques, and qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. The study recognized that there was little special attention to Geography subject. Teachers were not attending in-service training to update their knowledge items of content and pedagogy, and study tours were irregularly conducted. Except one school, other schools had no geography resource rooms. They lacked teaching and learning resources such as geography textbooks, internet services, maps, photographs, globes, and survey apparatus. Other factors were poor mathematical and drawing skills, poor English background among students, and lack of motivation for teachers and students. To improve performance, Geography subject should be given special priority by establishing geography resource rooms, and providing adequate teaching and learning resources. Also, the MESTVT in cooperation with PMO-RALG should organize in-service training for geography teachers to update them with new skills and knowledge required in teaching and learning Geography subject.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Social Sciences in partial fulfilment of the requirements for award of Masters of Arts in Education (MAED) of Mzumbe University.
Keywords
Poor performance, Geography subject, Community secondary schools, Certificate secondary education examination, Morogoro municipal
Citation
APA