Views of primary school mathematics teachers about effectiveness of strengthening of mathematics and science education in-service training in Kirinyaga County

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 45· 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.