EXPLORING REASONS FOR STUDENTS’ DROPPING OF BIBLE KNOWLEDGE AT SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL IN MALAWI: THE CASE OF BLANTYRE CITY SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study aimed at exploring reasons for students‟ dropping of Bible Knowledge at senior secondary school level in Malawi after studying and passing it at junior secondary school level. The study used a qualitative approach within the interpretive paradigm. It involved three categories of research participants namely; head teachers, Bible Knowledge teachers, and form three learners who studied Bible Knowledge at junior but dropped it at senior secondary school level. In all, there were five head-teachers, ten Bible Knowledge teachers and fifty form three learners who dropped Bible Knowledge. The participants cited mainly lack of career prospects, lack of teaching and learning resources, and shortage of Bible Knowledge teachers as some of the contributing reasons for the negative perception of Bible Knowledge. It is recommended that for the subject to be considered important by learners, curriculum developers should reconceptualise the Bible Knowledge syllabus for its relevance to the learner‟s career prospects and life-long learning to be clear. Secondly, Bible Knowledge teachers should assist learners to perceive the importance of Bible Knowledge as an academic subject, not a subject taught for learners‟ spiritual development. The aim of Bible Knowledge should not be perceived as converting learners to the Christian faith but developing the horizon of learners in understanding its relevance to some people‟s life and thought. The ministry of education should make sure that there are adequate resources for the effective teaching of Bible Knowledge. In addition, there should be qualified teachers for Bible Knowledge in all schools that offer this subject.