Perceptions of ordinary level learners who do not register for examinations in principles of accounts: a case of Watershed cluster in Marondera district

Abstract

The researcher investigated on why learners do not register for examinations in Principles of Accounts at Ordinary Level in Watershed Cluster in Marondera District. The background of the study highlighted a decline in the enrolment figures in Principles of Accounts and this prompted the researcher to investigate on the factors that influence learners not to register for examinations in Principles of Accounts. The researchers‟ hope is that the study will be of significance to various stakeholders. Scholarly possible strategies that can be instituted to persuade learners to register for examinations in Principles of Accounts were reviewed in existing literature. The researcher employed the descriptive survey research design and the population comprised of eight schools which were offering Principles of Accounts at Ordinary level where only four schools were used as a sample. The researcher used the simple random sampling procedure to select the Ordinary Level learners who did not register for examinations in the subject. Purposive sampling procedure was used to select the four heads of commercial subjects departments and teachers of Principles of Accounts teachers at Ordinary Level. The instruments used to collect data were an interview guide and a questionnaire. The collected data was presented using tables and graphs. The researcher found out that lack of enough textbooks in the schools in Principles of Accounts, lack of Accounting background of most students and also low pass rates in the subject were the major factors that contributed to low registration numbers in the subject for examinations at Ordinary Level. The researcher recommends that schools should provide the commercial subjects departments with adequate teaching and learning materials in order to improve enrolment figures in the subject. Accounting teachers were encouraged to expose their learners to the actual practical accounting activities and other resources at their disposal for them to study on their own. Teachers, administrators and qualified professionals in Accounting are encouraged to write Accounting textbooks which will be sold to schools at reasonably lower prices that are affordable by schools. Accounting should also have legislation backing which will make the subject one of the compulsory core subjects.