Misuse of instructional time and its effect on students’ academic achievement in secondary schools in Mpigi district, Uganda

Raymond Kibirige; Bernard Lutalo; Edith Namutebi

doi:10.37284/eajes.8.2.3250

Raymond Kibirige Uganda Martyrs University
Bernard Lutalo Uganda Martyrs University
Edith Namutebi Mountains of the Moon University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/eajes.8.2.3250

Keywords: Misuse of Instructional Time, Academic Achievement, Students, Secondary Schools, Mpigi District

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Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the misuse of instructional time and its impact on the academic achievement of students in secondary schools in the Mpigi district, central Uganda. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The study involved 20 secondary schools in the Mpigi district, where 7 secondary schools were purposively sampled to participate in the study due to their significant role in generating in-depth information on examining the misuse of instructional time and students’ academic achievement. The study used a purposive sampling technique to select 7 headteachers, 7 deputy headteachers, 7 directors of studies, 36 teachers, and 53 students to partake in the study. Interviews, focused group discussions and observation guides were used for information gathering. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. The study concluded that teachers and students misuse instructional time in secondary schools of Mpigi. The academic achievement of learners is below the expectations of the stakeholders in secondary schools of the Mpigi district. Misuse of instructional time negatively impacts the academic achievement of students in the Mpigi district secondary schools. The study recommended that school administrators should regularly monitor and supervise both teachers and students in schools to ensure effective use of instructional time. School administrators should also organise seminars for teachers to train them on how to use the instructional time effectively, thereby enhancing the academic achievement of students in secondary schools

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