The factors contributing to low a-level biology performance in selected secondary schools offering a-level biology in Rakai, Kyotera and Masaka districts in Central Uganda.

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the factors contributing to low performance of students in A-level biology in Rakai, Kyotera and Masaka Districts. This was guided by four major study objectives which included the identifications of students related factors that are contributing to low performance of students in A level biology, school related factors contributing to low performance of students in A level biology, students socio-economic factors that leads to performance of students in A level biology and other factors that may be potential contributors of consistently low performance of students in A level biology .The study was field based and a cross-sectional survey with application of both qualitative and quantitative approaches was used. A total of 148 participants were sampled and 141 responded which included 131-A level biology students and 10 A-level biology teachers which accounted for 100% response rate. The questionnaires, interviews and document reviews were used to support data collection. Based on the results obtained, most students have good attitudes, abilities, and interest evidenced by more than 80% agreement in students related factors although most factors affecting performance of students in A-level biology are home based and school-based factors. Schools are recommended to advocate for programs that increase parents' commitment to their children's academic life at school like parents’ day, learners should be given counselling and motivation guidance and schools should put place a high priority on making use of available ICT to enrich their students’ academic excellence, as well further research should seek to investigate the causes of teachers' gender preferences in the classroom that may help develop inclusive and diverse teaching practices.