Factors affecting students’ academic performance in development studies in selected higher institutions of learning in Tanzania

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Date
2009-09
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
This study examined the factors affecting students’ performance in selected Tanzanian Higher Learning Institutions specifically the State University of Zanzibar and the Institute of Finance Management. Different methods were used in collecting the data including literature review, interviews and questionnaires. The data were analysed by the use of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The analysed data are presented in the form ofdescriptions, histograms, tables and figures. The study showed that most of the respondents (about 90 percent) agreed that there were several problems that affected students’ performance in development studies though their views differed depending upon their institution. Factors which influenced poor performance in Development studies in Higher Learning Institution included economic background ofthe learners, poor methods of teaching, poor knowledge of the learners concerning development studies (awareness), teachers’ knowledge and competence (mastering the discipline), teachers commitment, poor teaching and materials and modern tools, poor teaching environment, students efforts and commitment in studies, poor governmental and institutional support and many others. All ofthem were reckoned as the major constraints retarding the student’s performai~ce in Development studies in the selected higher learning institutions. The study recommended that the government should place equal status to Development Studies like other subjects in the in University curriculum. Again, government financial supports for the department of development studies by providing adequate subsidy. This, in turn, will go along way in preparing a good environment for the learners the learning, thus helping the learners to socialize life, as it was supported by Jean Dewey in learning by doing in wivw.bgsu.edu/departlnent/acs/1890/dewey Insisting that school should help student’ learn to live and work cooperatively with others but Nyerere, as quoted in xiv (Kassam,Y. 1999) emphasis that student should become self-confidence and cooperative and develop critical and inquiring minds. More over, l~owledge of the teacher and competency should be taken in to accoulits here the Universities and the Ministry concerning Higher education should help their teachers to have an opportunity to extend their knowledge inside and outside the country, teachers becoming up to date and ready especially in teaching development studies hence to motivate the learners to perform well. Lastly, the study also recommends higher students effort student themselves should bear in mind that studying at higher learning institution is not a simple task, students should be hardworking, putting more effort, submissive, committed and prepared, since studying in higher learning needed enough time to learn and searching, all would help the students to perform well.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Award of Degree of Master Of Arts in Development Studies of Kampala International University
Keywords
Students’, Academic performance
Citation