Factors that Influence Learning Strategy Use among Senior High School Economics Students in Ghana: A Quantitative Approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that influence Senior High School (SHS) economics students’ use of learning strategies. We conducted the study using 668 final year economics students drawn from 24 public and private SHSs in the Central Region of Ghana. A questionnaire was used to collect data, which was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The results showed that learning style and teaching method influence students’ choice of cognitive learning strategies. Also, learning styles, teaching method, motivation to study the subject, and student-status significantly influence students’ use of metacognitive strategies. Finally, the study showed that learning style, teaching method, motivation, student-status, and school-type significantly explain variability in resource management learning strategies of Economics students. The study, therefore, suggested that teachers should adopt practices that actively engage students in a class. Also, teachers, heads, and parents of students should motivate students to develop an interest in studying economics. Also, the study recommended that government and school authorities should formulate and implement policies that provide similar learning opportunities for day and boarding students since all students irrespective of their status, require equal opportunities to unearth their learning potentials. Finally, based on the findings, a conceptual model was developed to enhance learner autonomy through the use of metacognitive strategies.