Factors Affecting Chemistry Performance in Ordinary Level NECTA Examinations from 2009 to 2012: A Case of Selected Schools in Dar es Salaam.

Shemhilu, Theresia Salatiel (2015) Factors Affecting Chemistry Performance in Ordinary Level NECTA Examinations from 2009 to 2012: A Case of Selected Schools in Dar es Salaam. Masters thesis, The Open University Of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The major objective of the study was to find out factors affecting chemistry performance in Ordinary Level National examinations from 2009 to 2012 with reference to selected schools in Dar es Salaam City. From 2008 to 2012 the overall National chemistry pass rate in Ordinary Level secondary schools were below 50%. The study wanted to find the pattern of the Form Four student’s performance in the NECTA examinations from 2009 to 2012, as well as, the students’ and teachers’ opinions on that poor performance. The study used cross sectional research design to collect data from the population samples. It employed two stage-sampling design to select the 100 respondents who were form three students studying chemistry from selected schools. The first stage used purposive sampling to select 5 schools in Dar es Salaam. The second stage used simple random sampling to select 20 form three students, ten boys and ten girls from each of the five schools. Purposive sampling was also used to select key informants. Data collection was done by using questionnaires, interviews and documentary review. Data from questionnaires were collected, edited, coded and summarized and then analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 12.0 (SPSS 12.0 for windows). Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were employed to show the patterns revealed from the findings. The major findings of the study show that insufficient facility distribution and accessibility in secondary schools, problems of enough qualified chemistry teachers in schools and poor students’ home support services were among the major challenges which led to poor performance in the NECTA examinations results. The study recommends to provide enough learning facilities, as well as, enough motivated chemistry teachers in secondary schools.

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