Factors Contributing to Poor Performance in Primary Schools in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) In Gatundu Division, Gatundu District, Kiambu County, Kenya.
Abstract
The importance of a National Examination cannot be underestimated in academic
development, but in Gatundu District the pupils' performance has been less than
satisfactory. Why were the primary schools in Gatundu Division performing poorly in
KCPE? The purpose of the study was thus to investigate the underlying factors for the
poor state of KCPE performance. The objectives were to: determine the effectiveness
of curriculum supervision and implementation, identify the adequacy and management
of physical and material resources, find out the attitude of pupils towards learning,
find out the attitude of teachers towards teaching, find out the effectiveness of the
supervision and quality control of schools, assess the interaction between the schools
and the community and seek views from the respondents on ways of improving KCPE
in schools. It is expected that the findings of this study will improve KCPE results in
Gatundu as all stake holders including the QASOS take corrective measures to
enhance performance in KCPE in the Division. This study was based on the
contemporary organization theory which states that "all systems are characterized by
an assemblage or combination of parts whose function is interdependent". The study
adapted the descriptive survey design. The population included the AEO, head
teachers, teachers and pupils. The study used both purposive and simple random
sampling designs. The sample size was composed of one ABO, 12 head teachers, 12
teachers and 550 pupils. Three types of research instruments were used i.e. a
Questionnaire, an Interview schedule and observation schedules. The content validity
was tested. Test-retest method was used to test the reliability of the instruments. Pilot
study was done in two selected schools. An introductory letter from the University and
a permit from MOE was sought. The researcher visited the sampled schools and
administered the quest.ionnaires tothe teachers and pupils. The researcher conducted
the interview at the Area Education Officer's offices. The data were analyzed by
descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). Findings were presented in
frequency distribution tables and bar graphs. The research findings are: teachers'
prepared professional documents but rarely used them in actual teaching, head
teachers supervised the learning Iteaching processes, handling of the curriculum was
not effective, physical, teaching and learning resources were available but not
adequate, pupils had a negative attitude towards learning, teachers had negative
attitude towards teaching, there were only three education officers for the quality
control of schools and they rarely inspected schools, but they gave advice on quality of
education and parents, teachers, learners and members of the community are in
constant conflict. Recommendations made are that: schools initiate income generating
activities to raise funds to supplement resources donated by the free primary
programmes, external and internal supervision should be enhanced in all the schools in
the district and schools should improve their relationship with their immediate
communities.
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