Assessing the Contributions of Science and Mathematics Teachers (Sesemat) on Students Academic Performance in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Hoima Municipality

Abstract

Science and mathematics teachers (SESEMAT) create engaging lesson plans and activities for the learners, including laboratory works, group research, and field experiments. They also demonstrate methods and present scientific research to support their observations. The study was carried out in Hoima Municipality, Hoima District. The study aimed at assessing the contributions of science and mathematics teachers (SESEMAT) on students’ academic performance in selected public secondary schools. The study objectives were; to find out the methods used by teachers while teaching Science and Mathematics in selected public secondary schools, to find out in which ways SESEMAT has contributed to students’ academic performance in the selected public secondary schools and to identify the factors influencing teachers’ methodology in teaching Science and Mathematics in selected public secondary schools. The study used a cross sectional survey design. A total of 232 respondents was used which included head-teachers, deputy head-teachers, teachers of Science and Mathematics and students; data was collected by use of questionnaire and interview guide. Respondents were purposively and simple randomly selected. Data was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The study findings revealed that teachers while teaching Science and Mathematics majorly employ demonstration methods, student centered approach and discussion methods. The study also revealed that SESEMAT helps students to grasp content taught easily, gain practical skills, and makes it simple for teachers to attend to individual students’ differences. The study further revealed that teachers training background, teachers’ competence, availability of teaching aids and school education facilities are the major key factors influencing teachers’ methodology in teaching Science and Mathematics in public secondary schools. From the findings, it is concluded that SESEMAT has an impact on the academic performance in science and mathematics in the selected public secondary schools. It is recommended that teachers training institution should be well equipped to groom good and competent teachers with proper required training background for effective science teaching, and areas of further research were suggested.