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 ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objective of the Study
1.3.1 General Objectives
1.3.2 Specific Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Theoretical Framework
1.6 Conceptual Framework
1.7 Significance of the Study
1.8 Limitation of the Study
1.9 Delimitation/Scope of the Study
1.10 Operational Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Theoretical Literature Review
2.3 Empirical Literature Review
2.3.1 Trend of Poor Performance in Science Subjects
2.3.2 Factors Influencing Poor Performance in Science Subjects
2.3.3 Measures to Improve Performance in Science Subjects
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research Design
3.3 Data Collection Method
3.4 Population and Sampling Procedures
3.5 Sampling Method
3.6 Sample Size
3.7 Data Analysis
3.8 Validity and Reliability
3.9 Ethical Consideration
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Demographic Information of Respondents
4.2.1 Students Respondents
4.3 Trend of Academic Performances on Science Subjects for the Five Past Years in Selected Secondary Schools in Shinyanga Municipality
4.4 Factors Influencing Poor Performance in Science Subjects in Selected Secondary Schools in Shinyanga Municipality
4.5 Suggested measures to improve performance in science subjects in selected secondary schools in Shinyanga Municipality
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Summary of the Study
5.3 Conclusion of the study
5.4 Recommendation of the study
Objectives and Research Themes
The primary objective of this research is to investigate the underlying factors contributing to poor academic performance in science subjects within secondary schools in the Shinyanga Municipal Council. The study seeks to address the critical decline in student achievements by analyzing current trends, identifying systemic obstacles, and proposing evidence-based interventions to improve pedagogical outcomes.
- Analysis of academic performance trends in science subjects over the past five years.
- Identification of socio-economic and institutional factors influencing student achievement.
- Evaluation of the role of teaching methods, resource availability, and teacher qualifications.
- Assessment of the influence of student and teacher attitudes towards science education.
- Development of strategic recommendations for educational stakeholders to mitigate performance failures.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background of the Study
Poor performance in science subjects is increasing from time to time among secondary schools students in Tanzania, East Africa as well as in Africa and the globe at large in recent years. (Jidamwa, 2012)
According to Science Education in Europe (2011) International student assessment surveys carried out under agreed conceptual and methodological frameworks with a view to providing policy-oriented indicators, in Europe indicates that there is decrease of relative standings in the performance of science subjects among European members.
Ajaja (2008) found out that poor performance in science subjects in secondary schools has been a serious concern to educationists, business organizations and government at large. This problem has been due to a lot of factors which include the absence of incentives and motivation on teachers so as to increase their efficiency and effectiveness in order to bring about improved performance of students.
According to Kiyaga (2013) science subjects remain burden of Uganda’s education even as more efforts are put into promotion of the academic field. Results for the 2012 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exposed the continued poor performance of science subjects compared to arts subjects.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: Provides an introduction to the research context, defining the problem of poor performance in science, setting the study objectives, and establishing the theoretical framework based on constructivism.
CHAPTER TWO: Reviews existing literature regarding the theoretical and empirical foundations of science education performance, covering global, regional, and local perspectives.
CHAPTER THREE: Outlines the research methodology, including the survey design, sampling procedures, data collection instruments, and statistical analysis techniques used.
CHAPTER FOUR: Presents the findings and data analysis, interpreting the results related to student and teacher demographics, performance trends, and influencing factors.
CHAPTER FIVE: Synthesizes the research outcomes, provides a final conclusion, and offers actionable recommendations for government, school administrations, and curriculum developers.
Keywords
Science subjects, Secondary school education, Academic performance, Shinyanga Municipality, Constructivism, Teaching methods, Learning materials, Teacher qualification, Student attitudes, Educational outcomes, Infrastructure, Science teaching, NECTA, Educational management, Pedagogical strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on identifying and analyzing the various factors that lead to poor academic performance in science subjects among students in secondary schools within the Shinyanga Municipal Council in Tanzania.
What are the primary themes addressed in the work?
Key themes include the impact of teacher qualifications, availability of learning materials, teaching methodologies, student attitudes, and the socio-economic environment on science education success.
What is the main research objective?
The primary objective is to investigate the root causes of underachievement in science subjects and provide data-driven suggestions for improving performance standards in the region.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The study utilizes a quantitative survey research design, employing structured questionnaires for data collection and SPSS version 21 for the analysis of the collected data.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body covers a comprehensive literature review, detailed research design and methodology, and a thorough analysis of performance trends, factors affecting achievement, and potential improvement measures.
Which keywords define this study?
The study is characterized by terms such as Academic Performance, Science Subjects, Constructivism, Teaching Methodology, Secondary Education, and Shinyanga Municipality.
How did the researcher handle data validity?
Validity was ensured through criterion-related validation, while reliability was tested using the Cronbach alpha method via SPSS to ensure internal consistency of the research instruments.
What is the author's primary conclusion regarding performance?
The author concludes that a scarcity of qualified science teachers and inadequate availability of laboratory and teaching materials are the major factors causing poor performance in the studied schools.
What specific recommendation does the author make to the government?
The author recommends that the government must ensure the availability of qualified science teachers, provide conducive learning environments, and prioritize the supply of adequate laboratory equipment and materials.
- 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
