AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CHALLENGES OF TEACHING AND LEARNING ECONOMICS ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CHALLENGES OF TEACHING AND LEARNING ECONOMICS ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

According to popular belief, Adam Smith was the first author to write a book entirely about economics (Adebayo 2018). Adam Smith’s theories continue to have an indisputable influence on modern economics in almost every conceivable way. His vast knowledge would be a vital source of information for future generations. Throughout history, a large number of people have made significant contributions to the advancement of economics. The importance of economics in achieving a desired level of national development cannot be overstated; the topic has grown significantly in recent years, and it now encompasses all concerns and challenges related to how a community uses its resources. Its function is changing.

It is becoming increasingly important as a result of the fact that multiple transactions in a modern business would be impossible without it. The federal, state, and local governments use economics to generate revenue for the day-to-day operations of their organizations through taxation. This function brings in money for the government (Adebayo 2018).

The goal of economics instruction in schools is to create a curriculum that: a. is relevant to the needs and experiences of the learners; b. emphasizes the fundamental unity of economics; c. adds a cultural dimension to economics learning; and d. provides an adequate and broad-based foundation for subsequent specialized study, such as accountancy, finance, banking, and so on.

e. Consider the psychological and philosophical development of the students.

as they progress through the course.

Nonetheless, despite the significant contribution that economics makes to the formation of nations, a declining trend in the performance and general attitude of secondary school students toward the topic of economics is concerning. This pattern was revealed in the final examinations of the schools where the researcher had teaching experience. It is thus expected that we will approach the subject of economics with seriousness if we are to have a ready route in the study of economics. This is because: Instead, what we see in our classrooms today are students approaching economics with the wrong mindset. This mindset is characterized by a lack of open-mindedness, curiosity, interest, diligence, and desire.

as well as openness. Different levels of education, ages, and genders all contribute to distinct differences in behavioral attitudes.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Despite the importance of economics in the process of nation building, it has been observed that students’ performance in senior secondary schools in the subject is not encouraging (Adebayo 2018). During their teaching practice in the area, the researchers noticed this in the terminal examination results from various schools in Anambra State.

1.3 THE STUDY’S OBJECTIVE

The study’s overarching goal is to investigate the effects of teaching and learning economics on secondary school students’ academic performance. The specific goals are as follows:

i. Determine whether teachers’ qualifications are adequate.

Secondary school students’ economics learning is influenced.

ii. To learn about the difficulties teachers face when teaching economics to secondary school students.

iii. To determine whether the experience of teachers influences the academic performance of secondary school students.

iv. To make recommendations on how to improve economics teaching and learning among secondary school students.

1.4 QUESTIONS FOR RESEARCH

The following study questions have been prepared:

i. Do teachers’ qualifications influence secondary school students’ economics learning?

ii. What are the difficulties that teachers face when teaching economics to secondary school students?

iii. Does the experience of teachers affect the academic performance of secondary school students?

iv. What are the strategies for improving the teaching and learning of

Economics among high school students?

1.5 THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY

The study will attempt to determine students’ attitudes toward economics learning. This research will be extremely beneficial to economics teachers, students, and society in general. Knowing what factors influence students’ economic performance allows teachers to look for potential solutions.

It will also assist researchers in becoming aware of some of the potential issues they may face as qualified teachers. The study’s findings would also help teachers detect and cope with the attitudinal behaviors that their students may exhibit during the course of teaching economics, allowing them to adopt a better method of teaching the subject.

subject.

The study will benefit the academic community because it will add to the existing literature.

1.6 STUDY OBJECTIVES

The study will look into whether teachers’ qualifications influence secondary school students’ economics learning. The study will also look into the difficulties that teachers face when teaching economics to secondary school students. The study will look into whether the experience of teachers affects the academic performance of secondary school students. Finally, the study will make recommendations on how to improve economics teaching and learning among secondary school students. As a result, this study will be limited to Anambra State.

1.7 THE STUDY’S LIMITATIONS

The researchers encountered minor constraints while conducting the study, as with any human endeavor. Insufficient

Funding tends to impede the researcher’s efficiency in sourcing relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as in the data collection process (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher chose a moderate sample size. Furthermore, the researcher will conduct this study alongside other academic work. As a result, the time spent researching will be reduced.

1.8 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Challenges: an invitation to enter a competitive situation or fight to determine who is superior in terms of ability or strength.

Teaching: a teacher’s occupation, profession, or work.

Learning is defined as the acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or instruction.

Student academic performance is measured.