Factors influencing the students’ Academic Performance of Secondary Schools in Budaka District

Abstract

This study was carried out in Budaka district in Eastern Uganda to determine factors that influence student’s academic performance of secondary schools. The study used a cross sectional design which allows the information to be gathered at one point in time across a sample population. The survey was chosen because it employs the use of questionnaire or interview procedure to collect data. Primary data was collected using questionnaires from the selected schools in the district. The study was conducted in two (2) selected secondary schools in Budaka District which are found in the eastern part of the republic of Uganda. Budaka District has 7 sub-counties, 35 parishes and 167 villages. It has an estimated land area of 382km2 with the largest sub-counties being Iki-Iki and Kamonkoli. Multi stage cluster sampling which is divided into several stages. Stage one, we clustered the sub-counties and then chose a sample of two (2) from the seven (7) sub counties using systematic sampling. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. The findings from the study indicated that teacher related factors, school related factors and student related factors significantly influence the academic performance of students in Budaka district. Teachers being well trained and qualified, keeping good records of students’ academic progress, teacher's attitudes, motivation and also having an adequate work load are among the reasons that would enhance students’ academic performance. The conclusion drawn from the study indicated that all the study objectives had a significant relationship on the students’ academic performance in Budaka district, therefore the study advised policy makers to ensure that teachers are offered decent wages as incentives to motivate them concentrate on the jobs, government should ensure that learners are motivated through offering free meals and ensuring book banks are equipped, the schools also should ensure that the provide favorable learning environments thus enhancing students’ academic performance in Budaka district.