Comparison of Pupils' Academic Performance by Region, in Integrated Science at the Basic Education Certificate Examination, between 2005 and 2007 in Selected Junior Secondary Schools in Sierra Leone

Abstract

The study compared pupils' academic performance by region in integrated science at the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in selected junior secondary schools between 2005-2007 in Sierra Leone. Descriptive research of a survey design was adopted. The target population comprised of all the junior secondary schools that were compiled in the Handbook for Junior Secondary Schools in Sierra Leone in 1994, all the junior secondary school pupils that sat to integrated science at BECE in 2005, 2006 and 2007 academic years in Sierra Leone, Integrated Science Teachers and Integrated Science Heads of Department. Out of the population, sample of 100 junior secondary schools, were purposively chosen by the researcher. To ensure representative samples in the four regions, stratified random sampling technique was employed. The main research instrument used to collect data on pupils' performance at BECE within the years under review was the Basic Education Certificate Examination results published by WAEC in 2005, 2006 and2007 academic years. Data were analysed using statistical tools. Firstly, descriptive statistics which entails frequency counts and percentages were used to address the research questions while the Chi- Square statistic was employed to test the Null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance through Statistical Package of Social Sciences(SPSS)Software. These results were displayed on bar charts and line graphs for meaningful interpretations.

The findings of the study revealed that unsatisfactory performance of candidates in integrated science at BECE between the periods 2005 and 2007across the regions exist, which is deteriorating. This unsatisfactory performance of pupils across these regions is said to be attributed to many factors which is a grave concern to the nation .Based on the findings it was recommended that government through the Teaching Service Commission ensures that well trained and qualified teachers in integrated science with vast experience should be recruited across the regions in Sierra Leone to teach integrated science. This will help to meet the needs of the learners

Furthermore, it was recommended that the teacher training colleges, polytechnics and universities  should intensify the training of teachers especially in Science Education pedagogy .Finally, the Ministry of Education should ensure that in each region, infrastructural facilities are been provided to reduce congestion in the classrooms. And there should be a pupil teacher ratio of 1:40 to ensure effective and efficient class management and control.