Factors influencing learner academic performance in the seventh-day adventist secondary schools in malawi

Abstract

This study aimed at establishing factors influencing the low academic performance of learners in the Seventh Day Adventist’s (SDA) secondary schools in Malawi. The following research questions guided the study: What are the significant factors influencing learners` low academic performance in the SDA secondary schools? How do these factors influence learners` low academic performance? What are the implications of these factors on learners` academic performance? What academic interventions can enhance learners` high academic performance in the SDA secondary schools in Malawi? The research used a descriptive research design under mixed research approach to conduct this study. The study’s sample had 54 participants of 24 females and 30 males. These participants comprised school principals, station pastors, learners and teachers in selected secondary schools, and members of the school board. The study collected data through interview guides, naturalistic observation schedules, document analysis and questionnaires. The qualitative and the quantitative data collected was analysed using content analysis and SPSS, respectively. Further to that, in quantitative data, there was statistical modelling analysis (using linear regression analysis) to show the relationship between dependent and independent variables in order to establish the significant factors. The study’s findings have revealed several factors that influence learners’ low academic performance. Even though there are many factors, the study discovered that late commencement of lessons, indiscipline, enrolment of learners, learners’ pocket money, inadequacy of textbooks and laboratory materials are the significant factors that influence the low performance of the learners in the aforementioned secondary schools in Malawi. The study, therefore, recorded recommendations as follows: there must be adequate time to learners on their studies than on church activities, need for arrangement for consultative

meetings on how to enhance education, and aptitude test administered must be well standardized.