Analysis of the Effects of Learner’s Location on Their Academic Performance in Masaka District

Abstract

The study set to determine the extent to which distance affected the academic achievement of students in secondary schools in Masaka District. The study was guided by four specific objectives, which were carried out through descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data was collected using semistructured interview guide and questionnaires, by involving 152 (58 boys and 92 girls) students. These study respondents were sampled through simple random and purposive sampling technique in which SPSS were employed to analyze their responses. Four null hypothesis were tested at 0.05 alpha levels for each of the four independent variables. Cross tabulations were used for data analysis and results showed that; distance travelled by students to school and parents’ income in relation to academic performance were significant (chi square = 17.354 and p = 0.041< 0.05, chi square = 17.994 and p= 0.035 < 0.05) respectively. However sex of students and motivation in relation to academic performance were not significant (chi square = 4.798 and r = 0.570 > 0.05, chi square = 1.122 and p =0.571> 0.05) respectively. Secondary schools will continue performing poorly academically if there is no effort done to improve the provision of education to secondary schools in Masaka district.