CAUSES OF LOW ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SOCIAL SCIENCES AT GRADE TWELVE LEVEL IN CHINSALI DISTRICT, ZAMBIA

Abstract

The study investigated causes of low academic learner performance in Social Sciences particularly in Geography and History at Grade Twelve level in Chinsali District, Zambia. The study used a mixed methodology approach and a descriptive research design in order to have an in-depth understanding of the problem at hand. The population comprised 964 respondents from 7 public secondary schools. 882 were Grade 12 students and 82 were Social Sciences teachers. The total sample had 126 respondents purposively selected from 2 secondary schools. From each school 60 students were picked using stratified sampling procedure and 3 teachers were purposively selected. The instruments used were the questionnaire, an interview guide and document analysis. The content and face validity of the instrument was determined by experts at Solusi University. A pilot study was conducted on 30 students from 2 schools not included in the sample to determine the reliability of the research instrument using the Cronbach’s Alpha method. A reliability coefficient of 0.856 was obtained which meant that the instrument was reliable. The questionnaire was self-administered by the researcher and collected data was coded and analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The coded data was analysed using SPSS Version 16.0. Findings from an interview were analysed using content and thematic analysis. Document analysis was also used to analyse examination results for term one and Regional Mock obtained from the two schools. The study found out that the general performance of students in Social Sciences was poor mainly because of critical shortage of teaching and learning materials and teacher ineffectiveness. The study also revealed that there was a very positive relationship between pupils’ attitude, teacher effectiveness and learning and teaching materials and learners’ performance. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made: (a). The Ministry of General Education through Curriculum Development Center and Zambia Education Libraries should ensure that schools have adequate teaching and learning materials especially text books. (b). The Ministry of General Education, with support from parents, business communities and other partners should expand school infrastructure in the newly created districts in Muchinga province to overcome over enrolment in schools which affect teachers’ effectiveness. (c). Teachers should use appropriate teaching methods for overcrowded classes to improve learner performance, and (d) Parents should be sensitized to encourage and motivate their children to concentrate in Geography and History just like in any other subject.