School culture and students' academic achievement in Ordinary level in Government Aided Secondary schools in Luwero District

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study examined the influence of school culture on the students’ academic achievement in the selected Government secondary schools in Luwero District. The study research objectives were; to establish the influence of teacher commitment on students’ academic achievement, to determine the influence of team work on students’ academic achievement and to find out the influence of goal setting on students’ academic achievement in government aided secondary schools in Luwero District. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design where both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. Research instruments included; interview guide and use of questionnaires, key respondents included; Head teachers, teachers and students. According to the research findings on the influence of teacher commitment on students’ academic achievement indicated that teachers’ commitment is very important for it enables continuous evaluation of students, ensures adequate and timely lesson planning and scheming which enables teachers to know when and how to assess students. Results on the influence of team work and students’ academic achievement in government aided secondary schools indicated that team work encourages division of work among teachers through coordination of duties and delegate ion is encouraged to ensure division of duties. It was established that the influence of goal setting on students’ academic achievement in government aided secondary schools in Luwero District indicated that goals setting encourages coordination of classes, assessments, following up the teaching time table, encouraging discussion groups and ensuring continuous monitoring and supervision of students which hence encourages academic achievement among students. It is therefore concluded that government secondary schools in Luwero District should embrace school culture in relation to teacher commitment, team work and goal setting to promote students’ academic achievement. It is however recommended that there is need for secondary schools in Luwero District to consider regular use of staff meetings to address inconsistences in teachers work performance to improve students’ academic achievement. There is need to establish a close working relationship with teachers to create an environment convenient for instructions in government secondary schools in Luwero District, the study recommends that there is need to encourage monitoring and supervision of teachers to ensure a coordinated working environment that promotes academic achievement among students.