ABSTRACT

This survey investigates the causes of poor performance among students in shorthand, a crucial skill in business and professional settings. Through an examination of teaching methodologies, practice opportunities, motivation, and the impact of technology, the survey aims to unravel the underlying factors contributing to subpar performance. Inadequate teaching methods, limited practice opportunities, lack of motivation, and the influence of technology on writing habits emerge as significant challenges.

Key words: investigate, poor performance, shorthand, peer group,  lack of interest,        

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background Of The Study

Shorthand is a valuable skill in today’s fast-paced world, particularly in fields such as journalism, court reporting, and secretarial work. It involves the ability to write quickly and accurately using a system of symbols or abbreviations. However, despite its importance, many students struggle with shorthand and often exhibit poor performance in this particular subject. Understanding the causes behind this poor performance is very delicate for educators and policymakers in order to develop effective strategies to improve shorthand education.

Short hand is a business education subject in the area of office education. It is defined by pitman (1974) as the art of representing spoken sounds with written signs. Shorthand has plenty utility in the business world. Secretaries in both public and private organization use it to record minutes of meetings, telephone messages and spell checking which lead to increase of their vocabularies. The acquisition of shorthand skills by a trained secretary makes him /her relevant in the business world. There is no doubt that he is an indispensable figure in every aspect of an organization which perform secretarial duties most effectively.

A successful shorthand student has brighter future ahead because shorthand notes are legal documents that can be used in a court case. Shorthand is a vital skill for court reporters because in most jurisdictions, cameras and recorders are not allowed in court during proceedings. Further transcripts are hard to get from court officials and they take time to be released to the media.

One possible cause for the poor performance of students in shorthand is the inherent complexity of the skill itself. Shorthand requires students to learn a new system of symbols and abbreviations, which can be challenging and time-consuming. Mastering shorthand involves extensive practice and memorization, as well as the ability to accurately transcribe spoken words in real-time. Students who struggle with these aspects may find it difficult to keep up with the pace and demands of shorthand, leading to poor performance.

Another contributing factor to poor performance in shorthand could be the lack of proper instruction and resources. Shorthand is a specialized skill that requires dedicated teaching methods and materials. Inadequate training programs or outdated instructional materials may not effectively convey the intricacies of shorthand to students. Furthermore, limited access to quality learning resources, such as textbooks or online tutorials, can impede students’ ability to grasp the concepts and practice effectively, resulting in poor performance.

Individual learning differences and aptitude also play a role in the performance of students in shorthand. Some students may have a natural inclination towards language and auditory processing, making it easier for them to learn and apply shorthand techniques. Conversely, students who struggle with language skills or have difficulty processing auditory information may face significant challenges in shorthand. These individual differences in learning styles and aptitudes can lead to variations in performance among students.

1.2. Problem Statement

The poor performance of students in shorthand is a concerning issue that requires investigation and analysis. Despite the significance of shorthand as a valuable skill in various professional domains, many students struggle to achieve proficiency in this subject. Identifying the underlying causes of poor performance in shorthand is essential for educators and policymakers to develop effective strategies and interventions that promote successful learning outcomes.

The aim of the shorthand teacher is to train students to be able to record the spoken words and usually to produce a perfect transcription on a readable manner. This is because the final stage of shorthand writing is an error free transcription even at the required speed into mail able copy. Shorthand is a skill that must be acquired by constant practice and several hours of drillings every day. In G.T.H.S Nkwen, many students dislike shorthand.  The researcher has observe that among the 200 students offering shorthand in the  SAC ( secretarial Administration and Communication) department prefer other subjects to shorthand. The disliking of the subject must have been as a result of frequent failures in test, late coming, absenteeism, lack of interest, peer pressure, unqualified teachers and because there is no drilling at the level of the Cameroon Technical GCE Examination. So students has it in mind that it is needless studying it because they will eventually passed it in the GCE even if they fail it in class.  Therefore, the problem at hand is to conduct a comprehensive survey to explore and understand the factors contributing to the subpar performance of students in shorthand, with the aim of formulating targeted solutions to enhance their learning experience and proficiency in this vital skill.

1.3. Research Questions

The following research questions are formulated to guide this study:

1.3.1 General Research Questions

What are the causes of poor performance of students in shorthand in the secondary school?

1.3.2 Specific Research Questions

• How is lack of interest responsible for poor performance of students in shorthand?
• How is Peer group pressure responsible for poor performance of students in shorthand?
• How is Parental Attitude toward school responsible for poor performance of students in shorthand?
• How does the quality of instructional materials and teaching methods impact students’ performance in shorthand?
• What are the specific areas or aspects of shorthand that students find most challenging?

1.4. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

This study is aimed at finding out the following

1.4.1. General Objective

The aim of this study is to find out the causes of poor performance of students in shorthand in the secondary school.

1.4.2. Specific Objectives

• To assess the ways in which lack of interest is responsible for poor performance of students in shorthand.
• To assess the ways in which peer group pressure is responsible for poor performance of students in shorthand
• To verify how parental attitude toward school is responsible for poor performance of students in shorthand
• To assess the quality of instructional materials and teaching methods used in shorthand education and determine their impact on students’ performance.
• To identify the specific areas or aspects of shorthand that students find most challenging and develop strategies to address these difficulties.