Wangai, Richard Muthee2026-05-132026-05-132016-10https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/33069A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Education in Curriculum Development in the School of Education, Kenyatta University, October 2016. Supervisor 1. Dr. Charity LimboroThe performance in languages, specifically the English subject in KCSE, has generally been poor in Mbeere South Sub-County compared to other sub-counties in Embu County. This study was initiated to determine the causes of the poor performance, particularly based on the perceptions of both teachers and students. The study was guided by Tyler’s Model (1949) of curriculum innovation, which outlines how objectives, selection and organization of curriculum content, and evaluation determine the overall outcome of the teaching and learning process. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design to establish the factors that led to poor performance in English. The study was carried out in Mbeere South Sub-County of Embu County, which has a total of 43 secondary schools. The target population consisted of 3,200 students, English subject teachers, and head teachers from the schools. The population was sampled using stratified sampling techniques so that all categories of public secondary schools were included in the study and proportionately sampled to obtain a sample of 320 students and a proportional number of teachers. The study used two questionnaires: one for students and another for teachers. An interview schedule for head teachers was also included. The data collected were presented descriptively using tables of frequencies and percentages. The study recommended that the government and other education stakeholders should equip existing rooms to establish effective libraries and ensure that teachers regularly attend in-service training. Students’ attitudes toward the English subject also need to be addressed so that they can positively understand the importance of the English language in their lives, beyond merely passing examinations.enThesis