A comparative analysis of performance of science and arts subjects in Uganda secondary schools

Abstract

The major objective of this study was establish a comparative analysis of the performance of science and arts subjects in Uganda schools, both at the ordinary and advanced level. The study further had three specific objectives and two hypotheses that were all used to achieve the study purpose. The study applied a non-experimental design called descriptive survey research design. This study used a non-probability kind of sampling called purposive sampling. Purposive sampling was therefore used in this study because some of the respondents may not be readily available at the time of data collection. The questionnaires to be administered to the respondents at Gombe S.S.S was both open ended and close ended. This method was chosen because wide data can be obtained and it limits bias on the side of the researcher. In order to enhance validity, constant follow ups were done to respondents whose questionnaires are not returned; also piloting the questionnaire were considered and the misunderstanding was corrected; other data collection methods like interviews were also used to complement the questionnaire and enhance validity. Once the administered questionnaires are gathered, the data analysis was done according to the dissertation. Thus, all the data collected from respondents were analyzed based on descriptive statistical analysis by using the SPSS software so as to obtain a more statistical analysis of the study. Study results showed that; there is a significant difference in the mean performance of science and arts subjects in Ugandan secondary schools both at the ordinary and advanced level. Furthermore, males perform better than females in both arts and sciences in Ugandan secondary schools; this is for both ordinary and advanced level. There is a significant relationship between access to learning materials and performance of the students in Ugandan secondary schools. The availability of teacher, their welfare and quality have a significant influence on the academic performance of students in Uganda secondary schools. The study also recommends that; the school administration should strive to find a balance in the number of arts and science subjects teaching staff both at ordinary and advanced level. This will help to reduce the variations in the number of teaching staff available for the arts available for arts and science subjects thereby improving the academic performance of students.