An investigation into the causes of poor performance in primary leaving examinations in Adjumani district

Abstract

A study to establish the causes of poor performance in Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) in Adjumani district was conducted by the researcher using a case study strategy. Two primary schools were purposively selected as case study. Cesia primary school in Adjumani Town Council was selected to represent urban schools while Onigo primary school in Ciforo Sub-county was chosen to represent rural schools so that both the urban and rural pictures are captured by the study. The study focussed on three major questions; what are the factors that have contributed to poor performance in PLE in Adjumani district? What are the possible measures that can improve performance in PLE in Adjumani district? What is the implication of the poor performance for existing policies? In both schools, the researcher collected views from pupils, teachers, School Management Committee (SMC) members, and the Head teachers using semi-structured interviews. Views were also collected from other stakeholders that included political leaders, District education officials, and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) involved in education in the district using questionnaires. Other tools that were used in the study were secondary data, observation, and photography. The findings from the study attributed the poor performance in PLE in Adjumani district to the following factors in the order of their strength; inadequate teaching, lack of parental support, negative attitude of pupils, managerial problems, inadequate facilities, poverty, UPE policy, and insecurity. Based on the findings of the study, the study finally made some recommendations to improve performance in PLE in Adjumani district. The study recommended among other things, closer monitoring of teaching by school managers, improvement in school facilities and teachers’ welfare, parental support to their children, capacity building for SMC members and teachers, and regular supervision and inspection in schools. The study also recommended the enactment of by-laws to minimise indiscipline among pupils and parents, adequate funding for education, curbing of insecurity and developing a sustainability plan for the school feeding programme when WFP stops funding.