The Role Of Student’s Personal Efforts In Improving Their Academic Perfomance: The Case Of Secondary Schools In Dodoma Municipality

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the role of student’s personal efforts in improving their academic

performance. The study was guided by the general objective informed through three

specific objectives which are to explore several attempts done by secondary school

students in order to perform well in their studies, to examine student’s attributes that

enhance self-reliance, to assess strategies that students use to develop independent learning

among secondary school students in Dodoma municipality. The study was also done after a

critical review of related theoretical and empirical literature from different sources, so as to

give a thorough picture of this study in terms of contents and methods right from its initial

stages. Also the study was strictly guided by the motivational theory (achievement

motivation) and the theory of performance which have been so helpful in conducting the

study and getting the findings of the study. The study adopted a qualitative research

approach, specifically phenomenology research design. The population used for this study

included secondary school teachers, students and educational officers, out of this a sample

of 10 secondary school teachers, 24 secondary school students participated.

The findings of the study suggest the existence of individual and group efforts towards

better academic performance. Such efforts includes searching materials from different

sources, consulting subject teachers, participating in group discussions, students personal

efforts like working hard and self-discipline. Further the study findings showed the role of

school facilities and materials like physical infrastructure including school libraries,

laboratories, computer rooms, stationery facilities, text books, laboratory facilities tend to

influence students’ morale in learning and help them to improve their academic

performance. The study recommends that teachers and school administrations should

create conducive environment for students to exert a lot of efforts and perform well. Also

there is a great need of investing in guidance and counseling services in secondary schools

for better academic performance. The study finally concludes that the question of academic

performance among secondary school students can be addressed clearly through the

cooperation of all stakeholders who will make sure that the whole educational system is

well reformed that is the context school (environment), input (students and teachers), the

process as well as product so as it function smoothly and yield good results that will be

helpful in the families, communities and nation at large.