Factors affecting the implementation of strengthening mathematics and sciences in secondary education programme in teaching physics within Mombasa County, Kenya

Abstract

The performance in mathematics and sciences in Kenyan secondary schools has remained low for many years. The Strengthening of Mathematics and Sciences in Secondary Education (SMASSE) project was introduced as a joint project between the Kenya government and Japan in order to improve the performance in these subjects in KCSE examination. Despite this, the improvement in performance in mathematics and sciences has not been very significant. This study aimed at investigating the factors affecting implementation of SMASSE project in the teaching of physics in Mombasa county. For Kenya to be industrialized by 2030, science, which includes physics, must play a major role. The poor performance in physics is therefore a matter of great concern. The findings of this study is aimed at helping the Physics teacher to come up with better strategies in the teaching of Physics. They are also aimed at helping the curriculum developers and textbook authors to include material in the curriculum which will enhance effective learning of Physics. The findings are also aimed at helping to equip the physics teachers’ trainers like in colleges with better teaching strategies to impart to the Physics teachers. The instruments used in the study included questionnaires and interview schedule which were administered to sampled Physics teachers, students and Heads of Science Departments in twelve Mombasa county secondary schools. The data was collected and analysed using SPSS computer software and recommendations given.