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Research start

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17 views

G Research

Research start

Uploaded by

Rolli Cleo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
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UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE

CENTRE FOR TEACHER EDUCATION AND MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT

DIPLOMA IN EDUCATION [SECONDARY]

KEDZOYO ZVINAIYE PATIENCE


SURNAME : JONASI

FORENAMES : TENDAI

CANDIDATE NUMBER : 148/24

YEAR GROUP : DE1 POST O 2024 SEMESTER 2

DEPARTMENT : SCIENCE

MODULE : RESEARCH

LECTURER : MRS R. GWATSVAIRA

DUE DATE : 11 NOVEMBER 2024

ASSIGNMENT: RESEARCH PROPOSAL QUESTION: There is an outcry of low


pass rates in Ordinary Level Combined Science for the past decades. The Provincial
Education Director commissions you to conduct research on this state of affairs.
Develop a suitable topic for the study, craft a statement of the problem and write the
main research questions and three sub questions. Give the significance of the study and
justify the relevant research approach for the study. [100 Marks]
COMMENTS
INTERNAL EXAMINER .[ ]
EXTERNAL EXAMINER ……… .[
]
TOPIC

Assessing the factors behind the out cry of low pass rates in Ordinary Level Combined
Science. The case study is on an rural area school which is Murehwa High School under
Murehwa District.
INTRODUCTION

In the past years, low pass rates in Ordinary Level Combined Science have become a
significant concern, particularly in rural schools such as Murehwa High School in the
Murehwa District. This issue shows a gap in academic performance between rural and urban
areas, pointing to a range of challenges unique to rural educational environments. Combined
Science is a critical subject that lays the foundation for scientific knowledge and skills, often
demands resources, effective teaching strategies, and practical exposure—elements that can
be difficult to secure in rural settings. This study explores the factors influencing low pass
rates in Combined Science at Murehwa High School.

Key Words

1. Research
Definition: A systematic investigation or inquiry aimed at discovering and interpreting facts,
revising accepted theories, and establishing new applications or practical solutions. Research
is a careful and detailed study of a specific problem, concern, or issue using scientific
methods (Kumar, 2014).

2. Pass rates
Definition: The percentage of students who successfully meet or exceed the minimum
requirements to complete a course or examination. Pass rates serve as key performance
indicators in educational assessment, reflecting the proportion of students achieving specified
learning outcomes (Brown & Smith, 2019).

3. Statement of the problem


Definition: A clear and precise description of the issue being investigated in a research study,
including its context and significance. The problem statement is the heart of a research study
and serves to align all other aspects of the research design (Creswell, 2018).

4. Significance
Definition: The importance and potential value of a research study in terms of its contribution
to knowledge and practical applications. Research significance demonstrates how the study
addresses an important problem and contributes meaningful outcomes to the field (Maxwell,
2015).

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM


It is a clear and precise description of the issue being investigated in a research
study, including its context and significance.
The problem statement is the heart of a research study and serves to align all
other aspects of the research design (Creswell, 2018).

Statement of the Problem

At Murehwa High School in Murehwa District, the consistently low pass rates in Ordinary
Level Combined Science reflect a broader issue faced by rural schools in Zimbabwe.
Students in these areas often struggle due to a lack of qualified science educators, insufficient
teaching materials, and limited practical learning opportunities. Additionally, socio-economic
challenges such as poverty further hinder students' academic progress and engagement. These
factors not only affect students’ success in science but also limit their future prospects and the
overall development of their communities. It is essential to investigate these underlying
issues in order to improve science education in rural schools.

MAIN RESEARCH QUESTION


A main research question is a central, overarching inquiry that defines the primary focus and
scope of a study, guiding the research direction. According to (Punch & Oancea, (2014)
research questions transform broad research interests into focused scientific investigation"

Main Question
What are the key factors contributing to the low pass rates in Ordinary Level
Combined Science at Murehwa High School in Murehwa District?

SUB-QUESTIONS

Definition:
Sub-questions are more specific inquiries that dissect the main research question into smaller
components, helping to address various dimensions of the main question in a structured way.
Anfara & Mertz, (2015) points that sub-questions serve as analytical tools to unpack complex
research problems.

Sub-Questions

1. How do students’ home environments and family expectations in Murehwa District impact
their engagement and performance in Combined Science?

2. In what ways do local community values and attitudes toward education influence
students’ interest in pursuing science subjects at Murehwa High School?

3. How do cultural perceptions of science and its relevance to daily life affect students'
motivation to excel in Combined Science at Murehwa High School?

4. What role do traditional farming and livelihood practices in Murehwa District play in
shaping students' understanding and interest in scientific concepts?

Significance Of The Research

Significance of the Research


This research is significant because it explores the underlying factors contributing to low pass
rates in Ordinary Level Combined Science at Murehwa High School, a rural school in
Murehwa District. Understanding these factors is crucial for identifying barriers to effective
science education in rural areas, where students often face challenges that urban schools may
not encounter. By addressing these issues, this research could inform strategies to improve
teaching practices, resource allocation, and community involvement, ultimately enhancing
educational outcomes for students in rural Zimbabwe.

Stakeholders and Benefits

1. Students: Improved learning environments and tailored interventions can increase


engagement and academic performance in science.

2. Teachers: Insights from the study can guide professional development, improve teaching
methods, and enhance science education strategies.

3. Parents: A better understanding of how to support children’s education and foster interest
in science at home.

4. School Administrators: Data from the study will help in making informed decisions
regarding resource allocation and infrastructure improvements.

5. Government and Policymakers: The findings will provide a foundation for creating
policies and programs to address the educational disparities between rural and urban areas.

JUSTIFICATION OF RESEARCH APPROACH

A research approach is a systematic plan that outlines the overall strategy for investigating a
research problem. According to Creswell, (2014) research approach provides the foundational
framework for scientific inquiry.
This research would require a mixed approach is it would require numerical analysis and
subjective reasonings to understand acquire the desired information

Justification: Because of the nature of my research, addressing low pass rates in Combined
Science at Murehwa High School requires a mixed research approach to capture both
measurable trends and the deeper socio-cultural factors unique to a rural setting. Quantitative
data will outline key patterns in resources and pass rates, while qualitative insights from
student, teacher, and community perspectives will uncover the personal and cultural
influences impacting learning. This approach allows for a holistic understanding, ensuring
that solutions are both data-driven and contextually relevant to the lived experiences of those
within the rural education system.

The mixed research methodology combines statistical analysis with interpretive inquiry to
give a more complex understanding of research issues. Mixed methods research offers a more
sophisticated approach to scientific investigation. (Greene, 2007).

CONCLUSION

In summation, challenges facing Ordinary Level Combined Science students at Murehwa


High School highlight a larger story—one where academic outcomes intertwine with cultural
norms, community values, resource scarcity, and individual aspirations. This study uncovers
not only statistical gaps but also the deeper, often hidden influences shaping rural students’
experiences in science education. Addressing low pass rates requires more than increased
resources or standardized teaching approaches; it calls for a renewed focus on the human
aspects of learning in rural contexts, considering the unique ways that community support,
family expectations, and practical teaching methods can redefine educational success. By
understanding and valuing these intricate connections, stakeholders can create strategies that
honor the community's identity while empowering its students to achieve and contribute
meaningfully to both local and global landscapes.

REFERENCES:

Anfara, V. A., & Mertz, N. T. (2015). Theoretical Frameworks in Qualitative Research.


Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Brown, J., & Smith, K. (2019). Educational Assessment: Principles and Practice. Routledge.

Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods


Approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Greene, J. C. (2007). Mixed Methods in Social Inquiry. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Kumar, R. (2014). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners (4th ed.).
SAGE Publications.

Maxwell, J. A. (2015). Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach (3rd ed.).


SAGE Publications.

Punch, K., & Oancea, A. (2014). Introduction to Research Methods in Education. London:
SAGE Publications.

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