Assessment of Academic Interventions to Enhance Learners` Academic Performance in the SDA School. The Case of Malawi.

Abstract

Formal education in all countries has been considered very important for personal and societal development. Education remains the biggest instrument for academic progress, social mobilization, political survival and effective national development of any country. One of the church institutions offering formal education is the Seventh Day Adventist Church. This study assessed academic interventions to enhance learners` academic performance in the SDA secondary schools in Malawi. The Effective School Model’ by Lezotte (2010) was used as a framework in the study. A sample of 54 participants comprising 12 teachers, 30 learners, and 6 members of the school board, 3 station pastors, and 3 School administrators was purposively selected in this descriptive qualitative study. Data was collected using open-ended questionnaire, interview guides, and document analysis that were analysed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Result of the study reveals that some students were highly motivated to learn and do better. However, students’ performance was affected by several factors. Meanwhile, the study findings show that focussing on use of English language, formation of the Parent Teacher Association, adequate teaching and learning resources, teachers` postings, use of aptitude test, time management, incentives, educational leadership, and frequent inspection would improve the performance of students in the SDA schools. Based on the study results, the study recommends consultative meetings with various stakeholders to bring their inputs on the matter, provision of adequate teaching materials, and selection of students must base on realistic results of the aptitude test administered.