Views of primary school mathematics teachers about effectiveness of strengthening of mathematics and science education in-service training in Kirinyaga County
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Date
2014-10-01
Authors
Ndugu, Samuel Gachiri
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to find out the views of primary school mathematics
teachers about Effectiveness of Strengthening of Mathematics and Science
Education In-service training project in primary school in Kirinyaga County. The
objectives of the study were:- to investigate whether all mathematics teachers
attend the SMASE INSETs , if mathematics teachers implement the skills they
learn in the SMASE INSETs, and determine the views of mathematics teachers
about the SMASE project and its influence on performance in mathematics in
primary schools in the district since the year 2008 . The population of the study
consisted of 62 public primary schools, the 62 headteachers and 685 teachers
spread in three educational zones namely Kabare, Baragwi and Ngariama . From
the population, the researcher used stratified random sampling to select 45ยท
mathematics teachers who were involved in the study. The researcher also
involved 15 headteachers in the study. Questionnaires were used for data
collection. The study used descriptive research design since the researcher sought
to report facts as they were given by the respondents. The data collected was
analysed and presented using descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages,
while findings were reported in summary form using tables, figures and graphs.
The study established that majority of primary school headteachers and
mathematics teachers had attended SMASE INSETs and that the INSETs had
positive impact on performance in mathematics in primary schools. The study also
revealed that teachers had problems in implementing the skills learnt in SMASE
INSETs due to lack of teaching and learning materials, inadequate support,
shortage of time, large classes and poor staffing . The researcher recommends that
teaching and learning materials be provided appropriately with more effective
evaluation and follow-up procedures. The study also established that majority of
the respondents had improved their teaching methodologies through using the
SMASE INSET skills. Finally, the researcher also made recommendations and
made suggestions for further research.
Description
Master of Education in the Department of Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies, 96p. May, 2014