Impact of learning resources on performance in Kenya certificate of primary education: a case of Nyamira district, Nyamira county.

Abstract

PrimaryEducation is the foundation for literacy and the acquisition of basic skills, social attitudes and values that make life important in society. Although some studies have shownthat facilities and teaching/learning resources and teacher ratios are contribu.ting factorsfor educational performances in primary schools, the impact oflearning resources onperformance remains unclear. The purpose of this study was therefore, to investigate the influence of li~ing resources on performance in Kenya Certificate of Primary Educatioo in public schools in Nyamira County using Production Function Theory. Spe~Jy, the study aimed to establish impact of teacher-pupil ratio, to determine enrolment-classrooms ratio in Nyamira District. This study is expected to assist policy makers to come up with new policies to improve performance in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education. The study employed a descriptive survey design from randomly selectedpublic primary schools. This design was appropriate in gathering facts, opinions, knowledge and attitude of people, The population comprised all 96 public primary schools in Nyamira District. A sample of 29 schools was used, which was 30 percent of thetarget population. The questionnaires, observation and checklist were used as research instruments. The .questionnaires were delivered to the respondents of the participating schoolsby the researcher herself. Piloting was conducted in three schools that were not part of the sample to avoid the, schools influencing the end product of study. However, thepiloting of the three schools determined the reliability and validity of the instruments. Quantitative data collected were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, percentages and the results were presented in the form of graphs and tables. Qualitative data was analyzed by organizing data into the major themes according to the research questions. Inferences; recommendations and conclusions were drawn. Study fmdings indicated that in most of the participating schools, the classes were overcrowded with insufficient learning resources hampering quality teaching leading to a continued general negative trend in performance since 2004. It is evident that school perfmmance is therefore influenced by the learning resources, such as teacher-pnpil ratio, infrastructures, and school enrolment classroom ratio. For this reasons the causes of poor performance should be traced and proper channels for improving performance to be accomplished. The study recommends that the active involvement of teachers, parents and other stakeholders enhances the effectiveness of the in-school team. The support. of stakeholdershas positive and pervasive effects on the child's success in school.