A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN PSLE AND JCE AGRICULTURE

Abstract

Poor performance of learners in public schools in Botswana is a matter of concern for the entire nation. This study was triggered by this disorder which if not addressed robustly has potential to snip the nation’s future. The study investigated the performance of learners in Agriculture at PSLE and JCE at Zwenshambe primary school and Zwenshambe CJSS utilising the qualitative research approach. Data collection techniques of individual interviews, focus groups and document analysis were used to solicit information on the performance of learners in agriculture. The findings of the study are that inadequate resources for teaching and learning, inability of learners to answer structured questions at PSLE, limited use of active methodologies and generalists’ teachers PSLE are main causes of poor learner performance in public primary schools in Botswana. The study concludes that there is need for action if the nation still desires for functional education. It is recommended that the Ministry of Basic Education (MOBE) in collaboration with other stakeholders should ensure that Agriculture at primary schools is taught by specialist teachers. It is also critical to ensure that assessment on practical work in Agriculture starts at primary school level.