Effectiveness of Geography Teaching Learning Strategies on Enhancing Academic Achievements in Geography Education

Abstract

Geography education is a vital subject that explores the world we live in, focusing on environmental and social processes and their interactions from local to global levels. The importance of geography increased with the growth of globalization in the 21st century. Recognising this, since the 2003 curriculum reforms in Sri Lanka, geography has been a compulsory subject for students in grades 6 to 9. To enhance academic performance and promote meaningful learning, the role of teachers is crucial. Teachers are expected to play a transformative role by employing various teaching methods to develop 21st-century skills and address current societal needs. This research examined the effectiveness of teaching learning strategies on enhancing academic achievements in junior secondary students. Researcher collected data from 274 students. These students randomly selected from 1AB national schools in Kelaniya education zone and 30 geography teachers using purposive sampling method. Data gathered from questioners and focus group discussions were analysed quantitively and qualitatively. According to the study, it was noted that teaching learning strategies used by teachers significantly affects the performance in geography education. There is a positive correlation between teaching lessons with real world examples and students’ academic performances. There are strategies with limited application such as ICT integration and collaborative learning approaches in the classrooms but students' preferences are there. It is recommended that teachers should primarily focus on collaborative learning and ICT integration in geography teaching and learning to improve students' academic performance as a result of their increased engagement with digital technologies and peer collaboration.