Underperformance in social studies in grades 5–7 in Namibian primary schools : a case study
Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The South African Society for History Teaching
Abstract
This article focuses on the challenges of learners’ underperformance in
Social Studies in Namibia. The study investigated the possible factors that
may contribute to learners’ underperformance in Social Studies in the selected
schools. The following research question guided the investigation: What
are the possible causes of underperformance of learners in Social Studies in
Grades 5–7 at primary schools in Namibia? The aim was thus to investigate
the possible factors which may contribute to learners’ underperformance in
Social Studies. Data were collected from selected teachers and principals via
questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, lesson observations and an
analysis of appropriate documents. Different data collection methods were
used to assure the validity and reliability of the research through triangulation.
Triangulation was used through the collection of data by means of
questionnaires, interviews, observation, an analysis of relevant documents and
a literature review. A number of factors that constitute obstacles and inhibit
performance were identified. In addressing the challenges in the teaching and
learning of Social Studies, teachers need to be empowered to address these
factors and implement the curriculum effectively. Findings from the data
identified a number of possible causes for the underperformance of learners
and recommendations are made to address these problems.
Description
CITATION: Carl, A. E. & Negumbo, T. A. N. 2017. Underperformance in social studies in grades 5–7 in Namibian primary schools : a case study. Yesterday and Today, 17:92-120, doi:10.17159/2223-0386/2017/n17a5.
The original publication is available at http://www.scielo.org.za
The original publication is available at http://www.scielo.org.za
Keywords
Underachievement -- School children -- Namibia, Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia, Social Studies -- Study and teaching (Primary) -- Namibia, Educational evaluation -- Namibia
Citation
Carl, A. E. & Negumbo, T. A. N. 2017. Underperformance in social studies in grades 5–7 in Namibian primary schools : a case study. Yesterday and Today, 17:92-120, doi:10.17159/2223-0386/2017/n17a5