School environment and learners' retention in secondary schools in Namayingo District, Uganda

Abstract

Abstract The study examined the influence of School Environment and Learners’ Retention in Secondary Schools in Namayingo District, Uganda. The objectives of the study were to examine the nature of the school environment, to investigate the level of learners’ retention and to assess the relationship between the school environment and learners’ retention in secondary schools in Namayingo District, Uganda. This study adopted a mixed method approach using a cross-sectional survey design where both quantitative and qualitative approaches were utilized, Correlation research design was used to examine the relationship between school environment and learners' retention in secondary schools. Out of a study population of 1116, 300 respondents were selected according to Morgan and Krejcie's (1970) Table of sample size determination. Research instruments included a self-administered questionnaire, interview guide and documentary review checklist. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were tested using the Content Validity Index (CVI at 0.843) and the Cronbach Alpha at 0.87. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and with the help of Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Qualitative data were analyzed using the verbatim approach where direct quotes were used to complement quantitative data. It was found that there is a moderately conducive school environment in secondary schools in Namayingo District, there are classroom blocks, trained and motivated teachers of science and Arts subjects, presence of latrines for hygiene and sanitation purposes among others that enable learners' retention in secondary schools. In establishing the Level of learners' retention, it was noted that there is low learners' retention in secondary schools in Namayingo District. This implies that the number of students who complete the O-level cycle is low. Findings indicated that most learners drop out along the way due to a lack of interest, poverty, and inadequate parental support. On establishing the relationship between the school environment and learners’ retention in secondary schools in Namayingo District, Uganda, it was found that school environment had a positive statistically significant, but moderate relationship with learners' retention as indicated by (r =.321**, p =.000), other factors like income levels, poverty, attitude, culture and tradition, parental level of education were also found to have a relationship with the retention of learners in school. Based on the study findings, it is concluded that school environment moderately contributed to learners’ retention in secondary schools, it is also concluded that there is low learner retention in secondary schools and still school environment had a moderate contribution to learner retention, other factors such level of income, poverty, attitude and traditions to a great extent affected the retention of learners in secondary schools in Namayingo District. It is recommended that there is need to always hold parents' meetings to have a consensus on issues surrounding learners' retention in school, there is also a need for the school administration to create a platform for students' suggestions and ideas to embrace learners' involvement in the affairs of the school as a way of encouraging retention of learners.