EduTeach2018

1. Title: IMPROVING POOR PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
Name: Andrew Charles Frimpong
Name of University: Utsunomiya University
Organization: Research Student (Teacher training program)
Contact details: fosuhene2000@yahoo.com /
kfosuhene2000@gmail.com
Keywords: Graphic communication, Technical skills

2. ABSTRACT
• The purpose of this study is to ascertain the main factors contributing to students’ abysmal performance in
graphic communication skills and find effective and efficient strategies to deal with the problem.
• This research work gathered useful information on attitudes of students toward graphic communication, the role
teachers must play to arouse and sustain student’s interest in the subject and also the perception that people have
toward the teaching and learning of the subject.
• The study also considered the various methods and materials that are needed for effective teaching and learning
of the subject as well as relevant Interventions that must be adopted in the teaching and learning of graphic
communication.
• The instruments used in collecting data were questionnaires, interviews and observation. Intervention measures
were put in place which really helped in achieving the desired results.
• Data gathered was carefully and systematically analyzed using tables, pie charts and bar charts for easy reading
and understanding. Literature was reviewed on according to the problem identified and relevant research
questions were used for the study. The opinion expressed by prominent authors was outlined.
• Finally, recommendations and suggestions for further studies for curbing these problems were made.

3. INTRODUCTION
• Graphic communication involves the use of visual material to relate
ideas such as drawings, photographs, slides, and sketches.
• Graphic communication (technical drawing) skills is increasingly
becoming a major part of Junior and Senior High School curricular
mainly because of the demand it makes on the intelligence of the
students and the various employment opportunities available after
school.
• great attention is given to the subject through effective teaching
approach as well as provision of adequate tools and equipment

4. THE BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
• Graphic communication an aspect of Pre-technical skills prepares
students to acquire skills either for further studies or for employment.
• For students to acquire the intended creative and manipulative skills,
certain essential measures are to be considered in the teaching and
learning of graphic communication.
• The end of term examination conducted on 19th July 2013, recorded
low mean mark of 25.4 of form one students.
• Also, the chief examiners report of the 2012/2013 basic certificate
examination (B.E.C.E) revealed that student performed poorly in the
subject.

5. The purpose of this research is to;
• Identify the causes of poor performance of students in graphic
communication.
• Suggest practical solutions to the problem of poor performance of
students in graphic communication.
Interventions
• Counseling
• Motivation and
• field trip.

6. METHODOLOGY
Methods used in conducting the study,
• the research design,
• the target population,
• the sample size,
• Data collection instruments,
• validity of the instrument,
• data collection procedure,
• pre-interventions,
• Interventions,
• implementation and
• data analysis of the study.
Research Design
• The research design for this study was based on an action research,

7. Population
• The total student population at the time that this research work was
carried out was 110. This was made up of forty (40) form one students,
thirty-nine (39) form two students and thirty-one (31) form three
students. The numbers of boys were 48 and that of girls were 62. The
school has a staff of ten teachers including the headmaster.
Sampling Technique and Sample Size
• The entire form one students made up of twenty-two males and 18
females formed the sample size.

8. DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENTS
The data collection instruments used for the study include the following:
• unstructured interview,
• observation and
• questionnaires.

9. Implementation of interventions
• Students were guided in setting out drawing sheets on the drawing
board correctly,
• correct use of instruments
• manipulating drawing instrument.
• Counseling for individual students after class and
• Use of motivation
Data Analysis
• The researcher made use of tables and pie chart to analyze data
collected.

10. • RESULTS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
• This section presents analysis and interpretation of data and findings
of the study.
Fig. 1: Shows the results of student’s interviewed.

11. •
Drawing instruments No. of students Percentage (%)
1. Students who have drawing instruments. 14 35
1. Students who do not have drawing instruments. 26 65
Total 40 100
TABLE 1 shows students who have drawing instruments and those who do not have
drawing instruments (Questionnaire)
Fourteen students representing 35 percent have drawing instruments and twenty-six (26)
students representing 65 percent do not have drawing instruments so they borrow from friends
when they are drawing in the class. Twelve (12) students representing 60 percent responded
that they know how to use the drawing equipment and the remaining eight (8) representing 40
percent said they do not know how to use the drawing instruments very well.

12. Table 2. Shows Pre-intervention assessment test and post intervention
assessment test for students in graphic communication skills
Pre-test Post-test
Mark Number of students Percentage (%) Number of students percentage(%)
0-4 8 20 2 5
5-9 26 65 3 7.5
10-14 10 10 5 12.5
15-20 2 5 12 30
21-24 0 - 10 25
25-30 0 - 8 20
TOTAL 40 100 40 100

13. FINDINGS
• The following are summary of findings of the research;
• The performance of students in graphic communication skills aspect of Pre-Technical
Skills was found to be very low.
• It was realized that the level of student’s interest in graphic communication skills was
very low.
• Some of the students perceive that the subject was very difficult.
• Students hold the view that the subject is not relevant to their future carrier.
• Some students find it difficult to manipulate drawing equipment.
• Some students do not have drawing instrument.
• Some of the students drawing instrument are defective.
• Few students practice drawing at home.
• Interventions helped in improving students’ performance.

14. CONCLUSION
• This study identified factors contributing to student’s poor
performance in graphic communication.
• The factors include low interest of student in the subject, perception of
the subject being difficult and not related to their future carrier.
• However, the researcher believes that suggested interventions if put in
use will help solve the problem.
• The limitation of the study is that it was based on only one Junior High
School in the District.
• In spite of this its results can be generalized to all student within the
District in particular and Country in general.