Factors Influencing Poor Performance in Science Subjects in Secondary Schools in Shinyanga Municipality

Resumen o Introducción

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.