Socio economic and school factors impacting on children's absenteeism in lower primary schools in Masaba sub-county, Kenya
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Date
2014
Authors
Matage, Johnson Mogusu
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Educators have long emphasized the importance of class attendance. Only in the
classroom many pupils benefit the spontaneous interactions between' the pupils
and teacher. Absenteeism means the children will not reap the maximum benefits
that are entitled to them. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
socioeconomic and school factors contributing to pupils' absenteeism from school
in lower primary schools in Masaba Sub-county, Nyamira County Kenya. The
study was guided by Maslow's theory of motivation. A descriptive survey design
was employed where data was obtained from lower primary school teachers and
lower primary school pupils. The study was conducted in Masaba Sub-County,
Nyamira County. The target population was all standard three pupils and teachers
in the District. Random sampling technique was used to select teachers, while
purposive sampling was used to select pupils who participated in the study. The
schools were numbered and then randomly selected 10% of the total number of
primary schools in the sub-county. The sample of the study consisted of pupils in
the sampled schools who are frequently absent from school. A questionnaire was
used to collect data from the teachers. Interview schedule was used to collect data
from pupils. Pilot study was done in two primary schools. Validity and reliability
was tested and established during pilot study. Data was analysed in narration form
and by aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics
involving frequencies, means and percentages was calculated. The results from
data analysis were presented using tables and figures organised according to the
objectives of the study and research questions. Pupils' were often absent from
school on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. The socio-economic factors which made
pupils to be absent from school included: Parents ask pupils to be absent from
school; helping in family business and lack of money for basic needs. The school
factors which caused pupils to be absent from school include: Un-conducive
school environment; poor relationship with peers and teachers. The strategies
used in schools to reduce pupils' absenteeism from schools include: Implementing
school rules, banning of unauthorized levies, and effective teaching.
Description
Department of Early Childhood Studies, 66p. 2014, LB 3081 .M32