Factors affecting the academic performance of primary school pupils in rural areas: a case study of Kicheche Subcounty, Kitagwenda District

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate the factors influencing the academic performance of primary pupils in Kicheche sub-county primary schools. The specific objectives were to establish the relationship between the distance moved by pupils to school and the academic performance and to establish the relationship between the levels of family income and the academic performance of pupils. A cross sectional study was used to obtain information and a questionnaire was designed and administered to head teachers and pupils. A sample of 50 pupils was used and data collected which was analyzed in STATA.

Results from the study showed that the pupils were mostly females (52%). Most of the pupils interviewed had excellent and good daily class work performance and few (14%) had fair class work performance. 46% of the respondents interviewed had a poor attitude towards academics. Further findings showed that daily classwork performance had a significant association with the kind of grade attained at PLE(pvalue= 0.000). Pupils attitude towards studies had a significant association with the kind of grade attained at PLE (pvalue= 0.028)and other factors were not associated with grade performance such as sex, marital status, age etc. Students with An excellent daily class work performance had less chances of failing (OR= 0.035) and also those with a very good daily classwork performance had less chances of failing (OR=0.02). The factors that were associated with the academic performance of the pupils included daily class work performance, the distance moved by the leaners to school and attitude towards academics. However, the study showed that there was no association between the parents’ marital status, sex of pupils, responsibility etc. The study recommended construction of more classrooms at the schools in the village to reduce congestion and the student to teacher ratio. This is because it creates a conducive atmosphere for learner and consultation by students. The study further recommended establishment of boarding sections to reduce on the time wasted on the journey to and from school and this would create more time of interaction of students with teachers. The study further recommended that research should be done on the contribution of parental guidance and teachers guidance on student’s performance.