Contribution of social studies in primary schools to the learning and performance of geography in secondary schools in Wakiso District, Uganda

Abstract

The study focused on the contribution of social studies taught in primary school to the learning and performance of geography in secondary schools of Wakiso District . The objectives of the study were: (i) To analyze the topics of geography covered in social studies in primary and the content of geography at secondary level; (ii) To investigate the contribution of the Teaching methods used in the teaching of social studies in primary at secondary level; (iii) To find the skills acquired by pupils by end of primary seven and how they contribute to the performance in geography in secondary level of education.

The study considered secondary and primary schools both private and government in Wakiso district. Using questionnaires and interviews for gathering information and data. The questionnaire were administered to the teaching staff. Interviews enable the researcher to seek details and clarifications from Headteachers, teachers and ministry officials.

The research questions were; what is the contribution of the content of geography covered in social studies in primary to the performance of geography at secondary level? What is the contribution of the teaching methods used in social and primary on the learning and performance of geography at secondary level? What are the contributions of skills acquired in social studies at primary level to the performance of geography at secondary level of education?

The findings indicate that Headteachers, teachers and officials believe that topics of geography taught in social studies significantly contribute to the learning of geography with a percentage of 66.9%. It is evidenced that 72% of all respondents that is the teachers officials combined think that the teaching methods are effectively linked to approaches used in both primary and secondary. The findings further indicate that 72% agree that generally all skills acquired in primary in learning of social studies in primary significantly contribute to the skills of learning geography.

The researcher concludes that the topics taught in social studies in primary has connectively with topics taught in geography in secondary. The methods of teaching geography in secondary build on the philosophy of teaching method of social studies in primary similarly the skills acquired in primary significantly contribute to the skills acquired in secondary.

The researcher recommend systematic learning of geography from known and this requires the connectivity of topics taught in primary with topics. Teachers should mind to identify the concepts and methods already developed in social studies at primary level in order to facilitate the teaching methods in secondary. The researcher recommends the improvement of learning environment and reduction of congestion in classes.