A case study on the factors which contribute towards learner dropout from secondary schools in the Windhoek region

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

A questionnaire was used for teachers and students to elicit pertinent data from the respondents. An interview questionnaire was administered to parent respondents. The three questionnaires provided data for analysis for four predictions postulated in order to provide a basis for the research work. The data was computer analysed, using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). A chi-square test was the major test used in the study. Frequency tables and descriptive statistics were also used to present and analyse the data

The results obtained indicated clearly that school dropout is influenced by various factors. It was found that absenteeism, suspension, cutting classes, grade repetition and learning difficulties were associated with school dropout. Poverty, poor home conditions, single-parent homes and parental educational level were also found to have a significant association with school dropout. Institutional factors of no counselling services, no time to attend to at-risk students and no motivation from teachers, and social factors of teenage pregnancy and negative influence from friends were also found contributory to school dropout. The results of the study also showed that teachers were in need of additional knowledge, abilities and skills to encourage students to remain in school

Although this study is far from being conclusive, it offers support to the results of some other studies carried out both in Namibia and elsewhere. The findings indicated that schools in general, need to establish a "students' at-risk committee" which is sensitive enough and responsive to the needs of at-risk students, in order to successfully identify potential dropouts, and to begin interventions when the first behavioral signs are noted. It was also recommended that schools should reduce indirect education costs such as school fees, transport, and books, for students from low socio-economic backgrounds

Due to the broad nature of the study undertaken, it is recommended that this study be used as a basis for further studies, dwelling in depth on the topics covered in this thesis