A Study of Factors that Affect the Teaching of Science in Primary Schools in Kiambu Municipality
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Date
2013-06-11
Authors
Kariuki, Eunice Magiri
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to ascertain the
existence of some of the factors that affect science
teaching in primary schools. The study was carried
out in Kiambu District, Ndumberi zone, an area with
nineteen (19) primary schools. The research was
conducted in two (2) phases, a pilot study followed
by the main study. The pilot study involved nine (9)
teachers selected from two (2) schools. The purpose
of piloting was to review the survey questionnaire
and to gain experience in preparation for the main
study. The sample for the main study consisted of
thirty (30) teachers, selected from ten (10) schools.
Ten (10) of the teachers were senior science teachers
who responded to all the three (3) sections of the
survey questionnaire. The rest twenty (20) teachers
responded to sections I and II only. The data
collected was reported and analyzed using descriptive
statistics, mainly averages and percentages.The
findings confirmed the existence of certain factors
that affect science teaching: there was an acute
shortage of apparatus and other teaching materials
which compelled teachers to resort to theoretical
approaches of teaching science. Further, teachers
hardly improvised instructional materials and when
they did, the materials were not stored for future
use. Also, teachers did not get assistance from
the local Teachers Advisory Sub-Centre. When a new
curriculum was introduced, teachers had to cope with
late supplies of vital materials like syllabi and
inadequate inservicing. However, teachers had a
positive opinion towards courses offered in teacher
training colleges and would welcome the idea of
subject specialization. Owing to the great problems
that face science education in primary schools in
Kiambu municipality, teachers would welcome solutions
to alleviate these problems. Identification of a
source of funds and inservice education would be some
of the relevant steps to take.