An Assessment of Secondary School Learners’ Performance in Economics in the OR Tambo Inland District, Eastern Cape Province South Africa
Comfort Wendane 
& Zikhona Seleke
Issue: Vol.6 No. 6 2025 Article 2 pp.341 – 354
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2025662 | Published online 19th June, 2025.
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
The aim of this study is to examine the factors that influence learners’ performance in economics as a subject. This study used a mixed methodology which combined qualitative and quantitative methods, providing a more thorough comprehension of the study problem. The qualitative method was employed to collect data through interviews with teachers. The quantitative method was also used to collect data through questionnaires from learners and teachers. The study targeted four economics teachers within the school and 15 learners in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase with different socioeconomic backgrounds and academic abilities. The results of this study revealed that the lack of motivation, and time allocated for studying economics is very limited to cover the workload and the lack of teachers who are experienced in teaching economics. Results focused on student interest in the subject, teacher skills and specialization, and degrees of knowledge regarding the benefits of studying economics as factors that influence their performance. The study recommends that teachers should motivate and enlighten learners about the benefits of Economics and school authorities should appoint only qualified and competent teachers to teach Economics and there should be language policies to deal with language proficiency. This study adds to existing literature on students’ performance in Economics in South African secondary schools.
Keywords: Factors Influencing Learner’s Performance, Economics, Secondary schools, OR Tambo Inland District
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Comfort Wendane is a dedicated graduate from Walter Sisulu University. With tutoring experience in the Faculty of Education, he has cultivated a passion for enhancing educational outcomes. His research interests include learner performance, curriculum development, and educational improvement in underserved communities. This paper marks his first academic publication in the field of education, showcasing his commitment to contributing meaningful insights. His work embodies a multifaceted approach to knowledge creation and societal impact. Eager to further his academic journey, Comfort is passionate about pursuing postgraduate studies to deepen his expertise and continue making impactful contributions.
Zikhona Seleke is currently employed as the accounting lecturer at Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape, South Africa. She is currently the head of the department of Business Management Education at Walter Sisulu University under the faculty of education. She is a researcher specializing in the integration of technology in education. Zikhona Seleke has conducted extensive research on topics such as Technology Enhanced Learning In The Teaching And Learning Of Accounting In Secondary Schools, South Africa; Chronicling Information Communication Technology into Teaching and Learning in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa; ICT Enhanced Approaches for Student-Centred Learning: A Case of Accounting Education Pedagogy Implementation at a Selected University in South Africa; Integrating YouTube as a Pedagogical Tool to Enhance Research Writing Skills in an Initial Teacher Education Program in a Compressive University, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Multilingualism in the Teaching and Learning of Accounting in Chris Hani West District, South Africa, Digital Transformation in Higher Education: Leadership Strategies for Ensuring Equity and Inclusion in Digital Learning Environments, Integration of Information and Communication Technology [ICT] in the accounting classroom in Chris Hani West District, Eastern Cape Province; Application of Problem-Based Learning in Accounting to Improve Learner Performance, O.R Tambo District, Eastern; Effect of Educational Technology on Learning Accounting in the OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa; An Assessment of Secondary School Learners’ Performance in Economics in the OR Tambo Inland District, Eastern Cape Province South Africa, Utilizing Information And Communication Technologies To Enhance Teaching And Learning: The Case Of Alfred Nzo East District, South Africa; her work aims to bridge the digital divide and empower educators and learners through effective use of technology. Zikhona Seleke is committed to sharing expertise and insights to drive positive change in education and higher education landscape and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
Wendane, Comfort, and Zikhona Seleke. “An Assessment of Secondary School Learners’ Performance in Economics in the OR Tambo Inland District, Eastern Cape Province South Africa.” Journal of Education and Learning Technology 6, no.5 (2025): 341 – 354. https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2025662
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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