An investigation of factors influencing primary school learners' academic performance in informal settlement areas of Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract

Learners' academic achievement is a crucial outcome of schooling, also in Namibia. Learners' underperformance in schools in informalsettlements is a concern worldwide;hence the need to investigate the factors influencing primary school learners' academic performance in the informal settlement areas of Okahandja Park, Oshitenda and Havana in Windhoek, Namibia. The qualitative study was informed by Classical Liberal theory, Social Darwinism and Social Learning theory. A purposive sample was chosen: three principals, six teachers,three school board chairpersons, three parents and nine learners from three selected primary schools. Data were collected by semi-structured individual interviews and analysed according to themes. Findings indicated that parents' low socio-economic status and education, poor home infrastructure, absenteeism, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate teaching and learning materials, peer pressure and poor parental involvement affect learners' academic performance negatively. Recommendations based on the findings are proposed for schools, government, teachers and parents.