An investigation of the causes of poor academic performance of pupils in grade seven (7) final examinations in selected primary schools of Mungwi district.
Date
2017
Authors
Mukanu, Stephen
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to determine the factors that have contributed to the poor
academic performance of learners in grade seven (7) final examinations in Mungwi District of
Northern Province. The study sought to fulfill the following objectives: To assess how the school
based factors have contributed to poor academic performance of pupils in grade seven (7) final
examinations in selected primary school of Mungwi District, to determine pupil related factors
that have contributed to the poor academic performance of pupils in grade Seven (7) final
examinations in selected primary schools of Mungwi District and to establish strategies on how
pupil performance in grade seven final examinations can be improved in selected primary
schools of Mungwi District. A qualitative methodology was used to gather data for this
research. Data was gathered using structured interviews and focus group interviews/discussion.
This research study was guided by the constructivism theory. Research participants included:
The head teachers, grade seven teachers and grade seven pupils.
The findings of the study were as follows: It was clear that the Primary schools in Mungwi were
not provided with physical teaching and learning aids. The study also revealed that the
government of the republic of Zambia was not adequately funding the primary schools in
Mungwi District. The class size was found to influence the teaching and learning process. It was
also established that there was no proper supervision of teachers by both internal and external
monitors. The study also revealed that the rate of absenteeism was high in selected primary schools
of Mungwi District. Furthermore, it was evidenced that most of the parents or guardians had low
educational attainments. These parents were not helping and encouraging their children to learn.
The study concluded that learners from poor families were more likely to have poor academic
performance at school. This study also revealed that most of the learners were covering long
distances to and from school. It also clearly established that a good number of pupils had bad
attitude towards learning.
Arising from the findings and discussions that addressed all the objectives, this study made the
following recommendations: The Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of
General Education should be providing schools with adequate funding for teaching and learning
facilities, the school community partnership should be encouraged to support the development of
schools to improve the facilities and ensure that the schools have enough instructional materials
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for effective teaching and learning, the school administrators should make sure that Classes are
made manageable by adding more streams in schools where the classes are large or
overcrowded, Internal and external monitoring must be carried out periodically so that the
standards of education are regularly assessed and controlled and lastly, the Government of the
Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of General Education should construct a primary
school within the radius of four kilometers (4km) so that absenteeism as the result of covering
long distances to school can be reduced.
Key terms
academic, performance, primary, school, examination, attainment, leaning.
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Academic performance learners--Primary. , Instruction. , Learning. , Factors of poor academic performance--primary level