Full Project – An investigation in to the poor performance of students of Geography in WAEC in Plateau State

Full Project – An investigation in to the poor performance of students of Geography in WAEC in Plateau State

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CHAPTER FIVE

INTRODUCTION

  • Background to the Study

Hello! The poor performance of students in Geography in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) in Nigeria has been a subject of concern for educators, parents, and policymakers. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the reasons behind this trend. For instance, Adebayo (2017) found that inadequate teaching materials and lack of qualified teachers were significant factors contributing to the poor performance. Similarly, Ogunniyi (2018) pointed out that the lack of practical fieldwork and over-reliance on theoretical teaching methods could be a contributing factor.

The curriculum’s structure and content have also been identified as potential issues. According to a study by Adeyemi and Ajibade (2019), the current geography curriculum in Nigeria is outdated and does not reflect the modern realities of the subject. The study suggests that the curriculum should be revised to include more contemporary topics, such as climate change and sustainable development, which could make the subject more interesting and relevant to students.

Another factor that has been highlighted is the students’ attitude towards the subject. A study by Ojo and Afolabi (2020) found that many students perceive geography as a difficult and boring subject. This negative perception could affect their motivation and engagement, leading to poor performance in the subject. The study recommends that teachers should use more interactive and engaging teaching methods to change this perception.

The examination system itself has also been criticized. According to a study by Olaniyan and Ojo (2021), the WAEC examination questions often focus on rote memorization rather than critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This could disadvantage students who have a deeper understanding of the subject but are not good at memorizing facts. The study suggests that the examination system should be reformed to assess a wider range of skills.

However, it’s important to note that these studies have limitations and there is still much that is not known about this issue. For instance, most of these studies rely on self-reported data from teachers and students, which could be biased. More rigorous research methods, such as randomized controlled trials, could provide more reliable evidence.

The poor performance of students in Geography in WAEC in Nigeria is a complex issue that is likely caused by a combination of factors, including inadequate teaching resources, outdated curriculum, negative student attitudes, and an examination system that prioritizes rote memorization. More research is needed to fully understand this issue and develop effective interventions.

  • Statement of the Problem

The poor performance of students in Geography in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) in Plateau State has become a significant concern for educators, parents, and policymakers. This issue has been highlighted in several studies, such as the one conducted by Ogunniyi (2016), who found a consistent decline in the performance of students in Geography in the WAEC over the past decade.

One of the potential causes of this problem, as suggested by Adebayo and Olorunfemi (2018), is the lack of qualified Geography teachers in Plateau State. Their study revealed that many schools in the state are staffed with teachers who lack the necessary qualifications and training to effectively teach Geography, which could be contributing to the poor performance of students in the subject.

Another possible factor contributing to this issue is the lack of adequate teaching resources. According to a study by Okoro and Chukwuma (2019), many schools in Plateau State lack the necessary textbooks, maps, and other teaching aids required for effective Geography instruction. This lack of resources could be hindering students’ understanding of the subject and their performance in the WAEC.

The methodology of teaching Geography in Plateau State could also be a contributing factor. A study by Umar (2020) found that many teachers in the state still rely on traditional, lecture-based teaching methods, which may not be effective for a subject like Geography that requires a more practical, hands-on approach.

The poor performance of students in Geography in the WAEC could also be due to the students’ lack of interest in the subject. A study by Okeke and Agbo (2017) found that many students in Plateau State view Geography as a difficult and boring subject, which could be affecting their motivation to study and perform well in the subject.

The poor performance of students in Geography in the WAEC in Plateau State is a complex issue that could be due to a variety of factors, including the lack of qualified teachers, inadequate teaching resources, ineffective teaching methods, and students’ lack of interest in the subject. Further research is needed to fully understand the extent of these issues and to develop effective strategies to improve students’ performance in Geography.

Aim and Objectives of the Study

The study examines an investigation in to the poor performance of students of Geography in WAEC in Plateau State. The specific objectives of the study are:

  1. To identify the factors contributing to the poor performance of students in Geography in the WAEC in Plateau State.
  2. To examine the level of preparedness of the students for the Geography examination in the WAEC.
  3. To assess the teaching methods employed by Geography teachers in Plateau State and how they impact student performance in the WAEC.
  4. To evaluate the availability and use of learning resources for Geography in schools in Plateau State.
  • Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

  1. What are the factors contributing to the poor performance of students in Geography in the WAEC in Plateau State?
  2. How prepared are the students for the Geography examination in the WAEC?
  3. What teaching methods are employed by Geography teachers in Plateau State and how do they impact student performance in the WAEC?
  4. How available and utilized are learning resources for Geography in schools in Plateau State?

1.5  Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement for the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Student’s level of preparedness has no significant impact on the outcome of Geography examination in the WAEC

H1: Student’s level of preparedness has significant impact on the outcome of Geography examination in the WAEC

  • Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to shed light on the underlying issues contributing to the poor performance of students in Geography in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) in Plateau State. By identifying these factors, the study could provide valuable insights for educators, policy makers, and stakeholders in the education sector.

The findings of this study could be instrumental in informing the development of effective teaching strategies and methodologies. By examining the teaching methods employed by Geography teachers in Plateau State, the study could reveal what methods are most effective in improving student performance in the WAEC.

Furthermore, the study could also highlight the importance of adequate preparation for examinations. By assessing the level of preparedness of students for the Geography examination in the WAEC, the study could provide evidence-based recommendations on how to better prepare students for future examinations.

The study could also contribute to the body of knowledge on the availability and use of learning resources for Geography in schools in Plateau State. This could lead to the development of policies and strategies aimed at ensuring that schools are adequately equipped with the necessary resources for effective teaching and learning.

On a broader scale, the study could have implications for the overall quality of education in Plateau State and beyond. By addressing the issues contributing to poor performance in Geography, the study could contribute to efforts aimed at improving the overall academic performance of students in the state.

Lastly, the study could serve as a reference for future research in this area. By providing a detailed analysis of the factors contributing to poor performance in Geography in the WAEC, the study could provide a foundation for further research into this issue, thereby contributing to the continuous improvement of education in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.

  • Scope of the Study

An investigation in to the poor performance of students of Geography in WAEC in Plateau State. The study is restricted to selected Secondary Schools in Bassa LGA, Plateau State.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

Investigation: This term refers to a detailed inquiry or systematic examination to uncover facts or information. In the context of this study, it refers to the process of examining the reasons behind the poor performance of students in Geography in the WAEC in Plateau State.

Poor Performance: This refers to the inability to meet set standards or expectations. In this context, it refers to students not achieving the expected grades or results in their Geography examinations in the WAEC.

Students: These are individuals who are engaged in learning, typically within a school or educational institution. In this context, it refers to those studying Geography and taking the WAEC in Plateau State.

Geography: This is a field of study that involves the exploration of the Earth’s physical features, climate and weather patterns, distribution of plants, animals, and human populations. In this context, it refers to the subject that the students in Plateau State are underperforming in during their WAEC examinations.

WAEC: The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is an examination board that conducts the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for school candidates in West African English-speaking countries. In this context, it refers to the examination in which the students’ performance in Geography is being investigated.

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Full Project – An investigation in to the poor performance of students of Geography in WAEC in Plateau State