The study aimed at investigating on the factors influencing poor performance in science subjects in secondary schools in Shinyanga Municipal Council. The study used survey research design by applying quantitative technique. Six public secondary schools out of eighteen public secondary schools were sampled for the study; it involved 415 respondents. The form four National Examination results for the past five years in selected secondary schools were used to show trend of performance in science subjects. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain information, and the criterion used in sampling was simple random method. The study found out that the factors influences poor performance were; Inadequate number of teachers, Lack of teaching and learning materials, Poor teaching methods (theory) and students’ attitudes towards science subjects. Also the study found out that the suggested solutions to the problem of poor performance in science subjects in secondary schools in Shinyanga municipal council were; presence of adequate teachers, availability of science teaching and learning materials. The study conclude that Scarcity of qualified Science subjects’ teachers and inadequate availability of teaching and learning materials are the major factors influencing poor performance in science subjects in secondary schools in Shinyanga municipality. The study recommends the following; the ministry should ensure enough availability of qualified science subjects’ teachers in secondary schools, and to make sure there is availability of adequate teaching and learning materials like books, teaching aids, specimens, chemicals and laboratory apparatuses, with conducive learning and friendly environment at schools.
Table of Contents
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Literature Review
- Chapter 3: Research Methodology
- Chapter 4: Data Analysis and Findings
- Chapter 5: Discussion of Findings
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing poor performance in science subjects in secondary schools within Shinyanga Municipality. It employed a quantitative survey design to analyze data collected from a sample of secondary schools and students.
- Teacher shortages and qualifications
- Lack of teaching and learning resources
- Ineffective teaching methodologies
- Student attitudes towards science
- Potential solutions and recommendations for improvement
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for the study by introducing the problem of poor science performance in Shinyanga Municipality's secondary schools. It provides background information on the context of the issue, highlighting its significance and the need for investigation. The chapter likely outlines the research questions and objectives, and it may also include a brief overview of the study's methodology.
Chapter 2: Literature Review: This chapter explores existing research and theoretical frameworks related to factors influencing science education outcomes. It synthesizes previous findings on teacher quality, resource availability, teaching methods, and student factors, providing a context for the current study's investigation. The review likely identifies gaps in the existing literature that the current study aims to address and establishes a theoretical foundation for understanding the phenomenon of poor science performance.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology: This chapter details the research design and methods employed in the study. It describes the sampling procedures used to select schools and students, the data collection instruments (likely questionnaires), and the data analysis techniques (likely quantitative methods). The chapter justifies the choices made in the methodology, addressing potential limitations and ensuring the study's rigor and validity. This section would likely discuss the quantitative approach used and explain how the data was collected and analyzed to answer the research questions.
Chapter 4: Data Analysis and Findings: This chapter presents the results of the data analysis. It likely presents statistical findings related to the identified factors influencing poor science performance, such as teacher inadequacy, lack of resources, poor teaching methods, and student attitudes. The chapter would present these findings clearly and concisely, using tables and graphs to illustrate key trends and patterns in the data. It focuses on objectively presenting the findings without interpretation or discussion.
Chapter 5: Discussion of Findings: This chapter interprets the findings presented in Chapter 4. It analyzes the implications of the results in relation to existing research and theoretical frameworks. The discussion section connects the findings to the research questions and objectives, explaining what the results mean and their significance in the context of improving science education. It likely suggests practical implications and recommendations for improving science education in Shinyanga Municipality's secondary schools.
Keywords
Science education, secondary schools, Shinyanga Municipality, Tanzania, student performance, teacher quality, teaching resources, teaching methods, student attitudes, quantitative research.
Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the topic of this research study?
This study investigates the factors influencing poor performance in science subjects among secondary school students in Shinyanga Municipality, Tanzania.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
The study explores several key themes, including teacher shortages and qualifications, lack of teaching and learning resources, ineffective teaching methodologies, student attitudes towards science, and potential solutions and recommendations for improvement.
What research methodology was used?
The study employed a quantitative survey design, collecting data from a sample of secondary schools and students. The specific methods of data collection and analysis are detailed in Chapter 3.
What are the main chapters and their content?
The study is structured into five chapters: Chapter 1 (Introduction) sets the context and research questions; Chapter 2 (Literature Review) examines existing research; Chapter 3 (Research Methodology) details the research design and methods; Chapter 4 (Data Analysis and Findings) presents the results; and Chapter 5 (Discussion of Findings) interprets the results and offers recommendations.
What are the key findings of the study (without detailed results)?
The findings likely relate to the impact of teacher quality, resource availability, teaching methods, and student attitudes on science performance. Specific results are presented in Chapter 4.
What are the implications and recommendations of the study?
Chapter 5 discusses the implications of the findings and provides recommendations for improving science education in Shinyanga Municipality's secondary schools. This includes addressing issues identified such as teacher shortages and providing better resources and teaching methods.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
The keywords include: Science education, secondary schools, Shinyanga Municipality, Tanzania, student performance, teacher quality, teaching resources, teaching methods, student attitudes, quantitative research.
What type of data analysis was conducted?
The study uses quantitative data analysis techniques, as specified in Chapter 3. The results are presented using tables and graphs in Chapter 4.
What is the overall aim of the study?
The study aims to identify and analyze the factors contributing to poor science performance in Shinyanga Municipality's secondary schools to inform potential improvements in science education.
Where can I find more detailed information?
The full study provides a detailed account of the methodology, findings, and discussion. This preview offers a summary of the main components.
- Quote paper
- SHIMBI MAJO (Author), 2016, Factors Influencing Poor Performance in Science Subjects in Secondary Schools in Shinyanga Municipality, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/383487
