Pupil-teacher ratio and its impact on academic performance in public primary schools in central division, machakos county
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Date
2013-02-21
Authors
Kaloki, Joseph Waita
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Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to assess the Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) and its
impact on academic performance in public primary schools in Central Division,
Machakos County. The objectives of this study were (a) to assess the impact of PTR on
academic performance in national examinations in public primary schools (b) establish if
ideal PTR exist in public primary schools as recommended by TSC, UNESCO and other
international organizations. (c) to identify the major challenges faced in the attainment
of appropriate PTR in the public schools in the Division. (d) to determine whether PTR
influences academic performance. The study targeted the 78 public primary schools in
the Division, in which ~ total of 24 schools were sampled for the study. Descriptive
survey design was used ,_~~theresearch design for the study. Questionnaires were used in
collecting data for the 'study. The questionnaires were administered to all the Head
teachers and the teachers of the sampled schools, the County Staffing Officer, the
Examination Officer and the Quality Assurance and Standards Officer. Piloting of the
research instruments was conducted prior to the actual data collection to determine the
validity and reliability of the tools. Research permit was obtained from the National
Council for Science and Technology and the County Education office in Machakos. The
data collected were processed and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics
with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Statistics (SPSS) version 11.5 and MS-Excel
software. The analysis involved use of simple regression to determine whether PTR
predicts performance in national examinations. The relationship between PTR and
performance was worked out using Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient R,
the value of R calculated was -0.323. This negative correlation between the PTR and
performance indicated that as PTR increases performance decreases and vice versa. A
coefficient of determination R2 of Q) 04 was obtained. This revealed that 10.4% of the
performance is due to PTR while the remaining 89.6 % is due to other intervening factors
or error in the independent variable. An;'Anova table was generated (p<0.05) which
indicated that the regression model applied was significantly good enough in predicting
the outcome variable. A regression model [scores = 260.8-7.60(PTR)] was generated that
could be used to predict the outcome variable. The findings of the study revealed that
PTR significantly influences performance of pupils in national examinations. The study
recommended to all Education sector stakeholders to pay adequate attention to PTR since
it affects performance of pupils in Primary Schools. It recommended to the government
to employ more teachers to lower PTR and ease teacher workload. It also recommended
to the government and the MOE to review the Education Act to enable schools admit
pupils on basis of PTR to avoid over enrolment and congestion in classrooms.
Description
Educational Management Policy and Curriculum Studies