Factors for the continued poor academic performance of UPE schools in Jinja District, study of Masese division, Walukuba

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors for the continued poor academic performance of UPE schools in Jinja study area of Walukuba Masese division with the view to recommend on how the performance of UPE schools can be improved. The study was conducted in this particular area because of the high number of school dropouts in the area. It was conducted based on the following objectives; to identify the influence of teacher related factors on the academic performance of pupils in UPE schools; to find out the relationship between pupil‟s engagement in domestic activities and their performance at school; to investigate the influence of family related factors on the academic performance of pupils; to establish the influence of school-based factors on the academic performance of pupils. The research adopted a cross sectional survey design. Qualitative and quantitative approaches of data collection were used. The study sample constituted 65 respondents. The types of research instruments that were employed included; questionnaires, interview guides and documentary review method. The findings and discussions revealed that there was no significant relationship between high family income levels and pupils‟ performance, the low involvement of parents in their children‟s school activities led to the continued poor academic performance. Infrastructure shortfalls have contributed to the poor grades in schools. Weak leadership styles contributed to poor grades. Teachers‟ absenteeism affects student‟s performance negatively, pupils‟ house hold chores had little influence on academic performance while domestic water collection led to the poor grades at school due to challenges such as accidents, walking for long distances. Recommendations. There is need for heads of schools to negotiate with government to increase teacher‟s salaries in an effort to fight absenteeism. The Government can invest in infrastructural development of UPE schools in Jinja to ease learning,