Factors Leading To The Learning Crisis In Public Secondary Schools In Benin:A Case Study

This research study aimed at investigating the factors leading to learning crisis in Krake and Tohoue public secondary schools in Tohoue district,Benin and the strategies used by Krake public secondary school to mitigate the crisis.The study was guided by the following research objectives: to determine the factors responsible for learning crisis in public secondary schools in Tohoue district Benin,to determine how these factors can affect the learners and to explore the approaches or strategies of mitigating learning crisis of public secondary schools in Benin.The researcher used descriptive research design.The two public secondary schools of Tohoue district were targeted and were mainly the focus of this study.Both convenience and purposeful sampling techniques were employed.Three research instruments were used in collecting data,namely: a document analysis guide,questionnaire guide and interview.Data were transcribed,summarized,categorized and interpreted accordingly.Responses from participants and data which were obtained from different documents were compared.Trends and patterns in the responses were established.Narratives,direct quotations,interpretive reports as well as excerpts were written down to depict the situation as it was on the ground.Through the data analysis,the following findings were made: inappropriate education system pillared on the competency based approach which seemed to be unproductive,parent's ignorance mainly due to lack of education which seemed to be obstructing the students learning,the high rate of untrained teachers in public secondary schools which proved to be ineffective and lastly the school leadership looked either positive or negative which could influence the learning performances of the students.In order to contribute effectively to the problem of the learning crisis in public secondary schools in Benin,the following recommendations were made: Relevant learning materials that reflect relevant skills,knowledge,attitudes,and values and that ease students' self-directed,active learning should be provided in the classroom.Again Technological resources need to be encouraged for learning purpose and to keep pace with their increasing use in other areas of life.In addition,adult education should be intensified especially in the rural areas to reduce the problem of ignorance due to low level of education of parents as well as encouraging them have manageable family sizes as this have been found to be affecting negatively the student's learning attainment.Then,the Central government through the different ministries in charge of education should enforce positively the leadership of public schools for an effective school management and governance.Thus,the choice of the principals should be made on merit.And then,adjust school curricula to reveal the skills,knowledge,attitudes,and values,relevant for the well-being and valuable employment of all groups in the 21 st century.And lastly,Schools should organize some sessions to sensitize the students about the importance of education in today life and find ways to assist the students who are at risk of dropping out from schools.