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 publish a book entirely dedicated to the field of economics (Adebayo 2018). Adam Smith's theories continue to influence modern economics in almost every conceivable way, and this is an indisputable reality. His extensive body of knowledge would remain a vital source of information for future generations. Throughout the course of history, a sizeable number of individuals have made significant contributions to the expansion of economics. The significance of economics in establishing a desired level of national development cannot be overstated; the topic has seen significant expansion in recent years, and it now encompasses all concerns and challenges connected to the manner in which a community makes use of its resources. Its function is becoming increasingly important as a result of the fact that without it, multiple transactions of a modern business would be impossible. The federal, state, and local governments apply the use of economics by means of tax application to generate revenue for the day-to-day operational running's of their organizations. This function generates revenue for the government (Adebayo 2018).

The goal of economics instruction in schools is to produce a curriculum that: a. Is pertinent to the needs and experiences of the learners; b. Emphasizes the fundamental unity of economics; c. Brings a cultural dimension to the learning of economics; and d. Establishes an adequate and broad-based foundation for subsequent specialized study, such as accountancy, finance, banking, etc.

e. Respect the learners' psychological as well as philosophical development as they go through the course.

Nevertheless, despite the substantial contribution that economics makes to the formation of nations, it is concerning to observe a declining trend in the performance and general attitude of secondary school students regarding the topic of economics. This trend was revealed in the final examinations of the schools in which the researcher had their teaching practice. It is thus anticipated that we would treat the topic of economics with a serious mind if we are going to have a ready route in the study of economics. This is because: Instead, what we are seeing in our classrooms today is students approaching the study of economics with the wrong mentality. This mentality includes a lack of open-mindedness, curiosity, interest, diligence desire, and willingness. Various degrees of education, different ages, and different genders all contribute to distinct differences in behavioral attitudes.

1.2   STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

It has been observed that the performance of students in senior secondary schools in the subject of economics is not encouraging, despite the importance of economics to the process of nation building(Adebayo 2018). This is something that the researchers noticed in the terminal examination results in various schools in Anambra State during the course of their teaching practice in the area .

1.3   OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The general objective of the study is to investigate the challenges of teaching and learning economics on the academic performance of secondary school students. The specific objectives is as follows:

i.          To examine if teachers qualification influences the learning of economics of secondary school student.

ii.        To find out the challenges teachers face in the teaching of economics among secondary school students.

iii.      To investigate if teachers experience influences the academic performance of secondary school students.

iv.      To recommend strategy on how to improve the teaching and learning of economics among secondary school students.

1.4       RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

i.          Does  teachers qualification influences the learning of economics of secondary school student?

ii.        What are the challenges teachers face in the teaching of economics among secondary school students?

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

iv.      What are the strategy on how to improve the teaching and learning of economics among secondary school students?

1.5   SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

The study will endeavour to find out the attitude of students towards learning of economics. The result of this research work will be of immense value to economics teachers, students and the society in general. Knowing the factors influencing the students performance in economics will enable teachers to look out for possible solutions.

It will also help researchers to know and be aware of some of the possible problems they will face when they become qualified teachers. The finding of the study would also help the teachers to detect and cope in the attitudinal behaviors that may be exhibited by their students during the course of teaching economics and thereby adopt better method of teaching the subject.

The study will be of benefit to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study will examine if teachers qualification influences the learning of economics of secondary school student. The study will also find out the challenges teachers face in the teaching of economics among secondary school students. The study will further investigate if teachers experience influences the academic performance of secondary school students. Lastly, the study will recommend strategy on how to improve the teaching and learning of economics among secondary school students. Hence this study will be delimited to Anambra State.

1.7       LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8   DEFINITION OF TERMS

Challenges: a call to someone to participate in a competitive situation or fight to decide who is superior in terms of ability or strength.

Teaching: the occupation, profession, or work of a teacher.

Learning: the acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or being taught.

Academic performance: the measurement of student achievement across various academic subjects