THE EFFECT OF GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF SCHOOL TO THE STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

THE EFFECT OF GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF SCHOOL TO THE STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
 
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of geographical location of public secondary schools to students‟ academic performance in Muleba District. The study involved three specific objectives; the first objective was to investigate the factors influencing students‟ academic performance in Muleba District. The second objective was to examine the effect of geographical location of schools to the students‟ academic performances and the last objective was to explore the strategies for improving students‟ academic performances. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches as well as descriptive cross sectional survey were employed to make an investigation of the phenomenon. Data were collected from 193 respondents by using questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The  findings revealed that, the factors which influenced students‟ academic performance in Muleba District include peer group influence, family factor, school factor, parents socioeconomic background, school culture and learning facilities.  Findings revealed that long distance that students moved from home to schools influences; dropout, absentees, early pregnancies which also affected students‟ academic performances. Moreover, the findings revealed that strategies for improving students‟ academic performance include; construction of hostel and dormitories, changing attitude of parents and students toward remote schools, resources should be balanced, policies should be stipulated clearly and provide food (meal) to students.The study concluded that distance results into negative impacts to the students‟ academic performances. This study suggests further research on the roles of geographical location of school to the effectiveness of teachers.