Browsing by Author "Lucas, Michael"

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    Causes of poor performance in National form four examinations in Bunda district
    (Unversity of Dar es Salaam, 2016) Lucas, Michael
    The study investigated causes of poor performance in national form four examinations in Bunda district. The study was guided by four research objectives which were to analyze teachers’ academic qualifications and competencies; to investigate teaching and learning strategies employed by teachers; to assess availability and usage of teaching and learning materials; and to examine teachers’ motivation levels and strategies in public secondary schools. Data were collected through interviews, documentary reviews, focus group discussions, and questionnaires. Ninety two (92) respondents were involved, including; 1 DSEO, 1 DSEAO, 6 school heads, 30 teachers, 48 students, and 6 parents from six villages. The qualitative data were subjected to content analysis, while quantitative data were extracted and computed into frequencies and percentages as well as presented in tables and figures. The research findings revealed factors which cause poor performance in national form four examinations in Bunda District. Some of the causes include shortage of qualified science subjects teachers; teachers’ unsatisfied salaries for teaching profession; incompetence for some teachers; the use of teacher-centred teaching and learning strategies; shortage of teaching and learning materials; insufficient use of teaching aids in teaching and learning process, as well as insufficient teachers’ motivation. Other factors include truancy; lack of provision of foods (meals) for students in day schools; distant walking for students; poor cooperation between parents and teachers, and lack of regular schools inspections. The study recommended that the government should employ enough qualified teachers in all subjects and increase their salaries as well as provide regular seminars and training to teachers on pedagogical strategies. It also recommended that government should provide enough funds to public secondary schools for purchasing teaching and learning materials. The government in collaboration with parents and heads of schools should also provide regular motivation for teachers and improve their living conditions. Similar study could be conducted in public primary schools to find out factors influencing student’s performance in national examinations.