Effects of English as a medium of communication on the performance of other subjects in KCSE and the General Management of Schools in Central Division-Machakos District

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of English as a medium of communication in the general performance of other subjects in KCSE and its effect in general management of schools. The teachers use standard English for instruction and finally testing, yet the learners find it difficult to communicate using standard English and this is reflected in the communication of their feelings and problems to the school management and more so in terms of the location of the schools. The concern here was to find out whether or not language can help learners effectively communicate to the teacher and help him internalize the concepts in the other subjects taught in Standard English and also help learners communicate well in the school management. This study specifically dealt with selected factors that may influence performance in English hence the other subjects. literature was reviewed addressing factors that affect performance both contextual and school related. The study achieved its objectives by carrying out a study on the selected schools in Central Division of Machakos District that comprised 65 students and 32 teachers of English. Primary and secondary data were used. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire containing structured and unstructured questions. The questionnaire was administered personally by the researcher. Data obtained through questionnaires was analyzed though the use of percentages and frequency distribution. The findings showed that there were some factors like provision of physical facilities and admission criteria that directly affect performance of English and other subjects hence the general management of the school Based on the above findings of the study, it is recommended that the admission criteria be checked and the schools should be provided with adequate facilities. Lastly the study suggested that further research be undertaken in other divisions with larger samples.