Factors affecting Makerere University students’ academic performance in blended learning environment: a case study of School of Statistics and Planning, Makerere University.

Abstract

A number of empirical studies have been done to determine the factors that affect students’ academic performance in blended learning environment. The major objective of the present study is to access the factors affecting student’s academic performance in blended learning environment in Makerere University. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the relationship between classroom learning on students’ academic performance at Makerere University. To determine the relationship between gender and the academic performance of undergraduate students of Makerere University and to access the effectiveness of student’s support service on student’s academic performance at Makerere University. The study employed qualitative research design. The study used primary data in collection of information from the study area. Personal interviews were used as a method of the data collection while questionnaires used as tools. The sample of 100 respondents were selected by using Yamane’s formula for data collection which were analyzed using tables in frequency and percentages. The findings revealed that many students prefer physical mode of learning to the online mode of learning. The students face many challenges during blended education for example lack of data to attend the online classes, the devices used not working properly and many others. The support services provided to the students are enough adequate enough to facilitate their education. The results revealed that learning effectively in school of Statistics and planning is best done physically due to the mathematical nature of the course units at school of statistics and planning at Makerere University. Basing on the finding from this study it is recommended that school of statistics and planning should collaborate with other colleges in the university ton improve academic performance in blended learning. Community members should also participate full by providing their available resources like data in order for the students to be able to study online. The government should also reduce taxes on data for students to be able to study efficiently. Makerere university should ensure availability of teaching and learning facilities to support online education during blended learning.