Student enrollment in literature in selected secondary schools in Kabarole District: constraints and opportunities

Abstract

The study investigates the trend of student enrollment in Literature in English in secondary schools in Kabarole District. It examines the constraints on enrollment in Literature in secondary schools and the opportunities for change. The trend of student enrollment in Literature in English is unsteady and this creates a concern that Literature may end up not being taken as seriously as it ought to. This may, in the long run, lead to loss of the benefits accruing to the study of literature. The objectives of the study were to identify the trend of student enrollment in Literature in secondary schools in Kabarole district, to determine whether teachers, parents and school administrators, as well as the Ministry of Education and Sports policy on higher education influence student enrollment in Literature. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data was systematically collected and presented to give a correct picture of the situation of students’ enrollment in literature in English in secondary schools of Kabarole district. Qualitative and Quantitative data was collected. Qualitative data collection was intended to allow free expression of opinions that society has about study of literature in English in secondary schools. Quantitative data was collected in order to measure and describe the phenomenon of study at the current state. The research findings showed that the number of students who enroll in Literature in secondary schools in Kabarole is ever fluctuating. The research also found out that contrary to popular opinion, most students do not base their choice of Literature on whether they like the teacher or not, or whether their parents support it or not, but rather on their interest in the subject. The study findings also reveal that the Ministry of Education’s policy on higher education, as well as society attitude towards studying Literature play a significant role in determining the number of students who offer Literature at O’ and A’ levels. Therefore, in order to steady the trend of the number of students who enroll for Literature in English in Kabarole and other districts in Uganda, the report recommends that an enabling environment for students to opt for Literature be created in secondary schools, through availing relevant resources. Ministry of Education and Sports policy should encourage Literature to be an essential subject for entry into such courses as Law and Mass Communication as it was previously. Even as science subjects are encouraged, policies to ensure that this is not done at the expense of the arts would be helpful. This will go a long way in improving the trend of student enrollment in Literature in Ugandan schools.