Competency-based approach and it’s impact on students’ academic performance in geography in selected secondary schools in yaounde vi sub divivsion: an analysis of teaching methods.

Abstract

This study titled “ Competency-Based Approach and its impact on students’ academic performance in Geography in selected secondary schools in yaounde six sub division ; An analysis of teaching methods.” has as purpose to analyze the impact of the CBA on students’ performance in geography in selected secondary schools in Yaounde VI subdivision; An analyse of teaching methods The teaching methods used for this study included the project based method, the problem based method and discussion method . The study focuses on one general research objective and three (3) specific research objectives .The research method used in this study is the qualitative research method. The study adopted the eclectic approach, combining literature review and filed survey adopting a case study research design with area of the study Yaounde VI sub division. The study selected 4 private secondary schools in Yaounde VI sub-division. The researcher used convenient and purposive sampling techniques, making use of interview and observation checklist. Data were analysed qualitatively, The finding of this study shows that teachers have limited knowledge on the concept of CBA. As far as teachers’ training is concerned, most of the teachers were adequately trained during with the objective based approach and not the CBA.As a result, the in-service training given to teachers is insufficient to provide teachers with the necessary competences to effectively and efficiently implement CBA during the teaching and learning process. From the observation checklist, the researcher carryout observation in two levels which were in terms of the learning environment separated into pedagogic and physical environment. With respect to the physical environment, the classroom organisation is still the traditional setting, learners are well seated but there are no spaces in between the benches or tables and chairs for free circulation of the teacher and learners during the lesson as observed by the researcher, hence hindering the smoothness of the lessons. For CBA to be well implemented, the study propose that there should be an increase in the number of pedagogic seminars, workshops and in-service training organised annually by the schools and even the ministry. Teacher trainers should use CBA strategies in training teachers, real-life situations should be used by teachers during the teaching learning process. Class size should be reduced through the division of the classes into A, B, C, Resources should be provided to teachers for effective and efficient implementation of CBA in Geography as it will go a long way to improve on the performance of students, their ability to perform skills and integrateknowledge learned.