Effects of Teacher Qualifications on The Performance of Secondary School Students in Physics at Malawi School Certificate of Education Examinations: A Case Study of Lilongwe Rural West
Authors
College of Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang (China)
College of Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang (China)
Article Information
DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100300264
Subject Category: Education
Volume/Issue: 10/3 | Page No: 3532-3542
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2026-03-15
Accepted: 2026-03-20
Published: 2026-04-03
Abstract
Student performance in physics at secondary school level remains a major concern in many developing countries, including Malawi. This study examined the effects of teacher qualifications on the performance of secondary school students in physics at the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations in the Lilongwe Rural West. A quantitative descriptive survey research design was used in the study. The sample consisted of 99 participants (N = 99) drawn from five secondary schools, including 85 Form Four physics students, 9 physics teachers, and 5 head teachers. Stratified sampling was used to select the schools while purposive sampling was used to select teachers and head teachers.
Keywords
Teacher qualifications; physics education; student academic performance; MSCE examinations
Downloads
References
1. Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. Freeman. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
2. Chirwa, G., & Naidoo, D. (2014). Curriculum change and development in Malawi: A historical overview. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 5(16), 339-345. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
3. Darling-Hammond, L. (2000). Teacher quality and student achievement. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 8(1), 1-44. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
4. Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. Routledge. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
5. Kim, L., & Seo, E. (2025). The association between teacher self-efficacy and student academic performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Educational Research Review. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
6. Liu, J., Wang, K., & Pan, Z. (2025). The effectiveness of professional development in the self-efficacy of in-service teachers in STEM education: A meta-analysis. Behavioral Sciences. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
7. Mabula, N. (2012). Promoting science subject choices for secondary school students in Tanzania. Academic Research International. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
8. Mlangeni, A., & Chiotha, S. (2015). Why rural Community Day Secondary Schools students' performance in physical science examinations is poor. Educational Research Journal. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
9. Piaget, J. (1972). The psychology of the child. Basic Books. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
10. Schipper, T., et al. (2024). The role of teacher self-efficacy and enthusiasm in differentiated instruction. Teaching and Teacher Education. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
11. Thomas, O., & Olugbenga, J. (2012). Effects of teachers' qualifications on the performance of senior secondary school physics students. Journal of Education and Practice, 5(6), 72 -80. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
12. Vygotsky, L. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
13. Zhou, X., Shu, L., Xu, Z., & Padrón, Y. (2023). The effect of professional development on in-service STEM teachers' self-efficacy. International Journal of STEM Education. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Metrics
Views & Downloads
Similar Articles
- Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
- Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
- “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
- Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
- Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study