Effective use of learning materials and its impact on students' academic performance in secondary schools in Mpigi district, Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the effective use of learning materials and its impact on the students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Mpigi District, Uganda. Based on the systems theory, the study adopted the cross-sectional survey research design. The study involved 72 secondary schools in Mpigi District, whereby 7 secondary schools were purposively sampled to participate in the study because the schools had recommendable learning materials; however, stakeholders complained about their academic performance. The study used purposive sampling technique to select 7 headteachers, 7 directors of studies, 48 teachers, and 66 students to participate in the study. Interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and documentary guides were used for data collection. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The study found that learning materials are inadequate in Mpigi secondary schools; however, the few resources are effectively used by teachers. Academic performance in Mpigi secondary schools is below the expectations of the stakeholders. This research concluded that learning materials positively impact the academic performance of students in Mpigi District secondary schools. The study recommended that the government of Uganda should support secondary schools with adequate learning materials to improve learners’ academic performance. School administrators should provide teachers with training to enable them to use the available learning materials effectively to help learners achieve better academic performance