Assessment of Challenges Facing Girls and Boys in Academic Performance, A Case Study of Single Sex Secondary Schools in Tabora Municipality

The study was on an assessment of challenges facing girls and boys in academic performance, a case of single sex secondary schools in Tabora region. It has investigated the perceptions of girls and boys on single sex schooling, the learning challenges facing girls and boys in secondary schools, which affected their academic performance, poor girl‟s performance compared to boys in single sex schools and strategies, for improving the performance of girls in single-sex secondary schools in Tanzania. The study was involved (53%) males and (47%) females. Data collection methods were questionnaires, interviews and group discussions whereas, statistical methods and matching of information were employed as tools for data analysis. Findings have shown that boy‟s perceptions on single sex schools is that; students focus more on education, decreases distractions in learning and reduces student misbehaviors. The girl‟s perceptions include; increased confidence, decreased relationship with boys and feel more comfortable in sharing ideas. General challenges facing boys include; drug use, and poor relationship with family and drop out of schools. However, girls challenges were drop out schools and early marriages. Ways to improve girl‟s performances include; making sure girls are safe, eliminating gender bias, and provide pocket money. It was concluded that single sex schools are a good idea, particularly for girls to improve their performances as it provided a conducive environment for study. It was recommended that, the issue of educating women is very important for any national development and therefore, needed to be emphasized