An investigation into underperformance in Social Studies grade 5-7 in selected Namibian primary schools: A case study

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT : The study, situated in the context of Namibia, describes the results of research undertaken with regard to the underperformance of Grade 5 to 7 learners in Social Studies. The initial results of an analysis of the results in Social Studies between 2008 and 2014 in three selected schools in the Karas Region, Namibia, indicated severe underperformance. The researcher, as part of the case study, identified three schools in an effort to determine the possible causes of learners' underperformance in Social Studies in these selected schools. The study posed the following research question: What are the possible causes of underperformance of learners in Social Studies in Grade 5 to 7 at primary schools in Namibia?A qualitative case study research design, guided by an interpretive research paradigm, was employed to answer the research question and achieve the aims and objectives of the study. Data were collected from biographical and semi-structured interviews, lesson observations and analysis of appropriate documents. The purpose of using different methods in this study was to ensure that through triangulation, validity and reliability could be obtained.The data collected were analysed through thematic analysis. Findings from the data indicated a number of possible causes for the underperformance of learners, namely lack of trained teachers, insufficient teaching approaches, unconducive physical teaching contexts, lack of teaching and learning materials and lack of optimal parental involvement in their children's education due to work situations. The majority of the participants argued that English as the medium of instruction in Namibian schools is one of the barriers for learners learning Social Studies as well as other subjects. However, the participants confirmed that learners' lack of English proficiency is due to the language backgrounds of the learners. Recommendations are made to address these problems.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University