Dissertation (MA Education)The study investigated the role of student’s personal efforts in improving their academic performance. The study was guided by the general objective informed through three specific objectives which are to explore several attempts done by secondary school students in order to perform well in their studies, to examine student’s attributes that enhance self-reliance, to assess strategies that students use to develop independent learning among secondary school students in Dodoma municipality. The study was also done after a critical review of related theoretical and empirical literature from different sources, so as to give a thorough picture of this study in terms of contents and methods right from its initial stages. Also the study was strictly guided by the motivational theory (achievement motivation) and the theory of performance which have been so helpful in conducting the study and getting the findings of the study. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, specifically phenomenology research design. The population used for this study included secondary school teachers, students and educational officers, out of this a sample of 10 secondary school teachers, 24 secondary school students participated. The findings of the study suggest the existence of individual and group efforts towards better academic performance. Such efforts includes searching materials from different sources, consulting subject teachers, participating in group discussions, students personal efforts like working hard and self-discipline. Further the study findings showed the role of school facilities and materials like physical infrastructure including school libraries, laboratories, computer rooms, stationery facilities, text books, laboratory facilities tend to influence students’ morale in learning and help them to improve their academic performance. The study recommends that teachers and school administrations should create conducive environment for students to exert a lot of efforts and perform well. Also there is a great need of investing in guidance and counseling services in secondary schools for better academic performance. The study finally concludes that the question of academic performance among secondary school students can be addressed clearly through the cooperation of all stakeholders who will make sure that the whole educational system is well reformed that is the context school (environment), input (students and teachers), the process as well as product so as it function smoothly and yield good results that will be helpful in the families, communities and nation at large.