Assessment of Determinants Contributing to Poor Academic Performance of Students in Community Secondary Schools in Musoma District Council, Tanzania

Kalolo, Deogratius Baptista (2025) Assessment of Determinants Contributing to Poor Academic Performance of Students in Community Secondary Schools in Musoma District Council, Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The study aimed to determine factors contributing to poor academic performance in community secondary schools in Musoma District Council, Tanzania. It investigated the effects of infrastructure, distances between households and schools, and family backgrounds on student performance. The research employed a positivist paradigm, emphasizing a measurable reality. A quantitative approach with a descriptive research design was used. A probability sampling technique, specifically simple random sampling, selected 384 participants from teachers, students, and community members. Data collected through questionnaires enabled numerical analysis using graphs, tables, and percentages. Findings indicated several factors contributing to poor academic performance. Inadequate infrastructure hindered academic activities, impacting performance. Long distances between households and schools affected attendance and punctuality. Family backgrounds, characterized by conflicts, reduced students' concentration, leading to poor performance. These insights highlight students' challenges, emphasizing the need to address infrastructural deficiencies, improve school accessibility, and support vulnerable students. The study recommends targeted interventions to create a supportive educational environment by improving infrastructure, such as building hostels, to mitigate the effects of long commutes on concentration, motivation, and performance. Keywords: Poor academic performance, Inadequate infrastructure, Long distances to school, Challenging family backgrounds.

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