The school environment and pupil performance in science in primary schools in Masinga division Yatta district in Kenya
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Date
2008-11
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kampala international international: College of Education, open and distance learning
Abstract
The performance of science in national exams has been deteriorating over last few years. This is so in majority of primary schools in Kenya and especially Yatta district. The situation may not be different in other districts Kenya. The problem is therefore global concern given that most of the technology is statistical based with a science orientation. Science being a branch of science that deals with precision and quantitative applications is widely appreciated in many fields. These include agriculture, accounting, veterinary practice, public health, and medicines just no mention a few. The poor performance of science in exams may therefore mean a definite downfall in our technology fields and the collapse of the entire Kenyan economy. This poor performance may be as result of poor motivating, lack of evaluation, physical facilities and to a large extent a negative attitude of students towards the subject. The purpose of this study was to determine factors that affect the performance of mathematics in national exams in some selected primary schools in Masinga division of Yatta district. The study was also used to identify some measures that might be used to predict the performance of primary school pupils studying science. The sample in the study consisted of 50 pupils from one up to form eight, 10 science teachers and 5 head teachers. The data collection methodology involved questionnaire and observation of all the targeted groups. The information collected will hopefully be used to improve performance in science in examinations. The Main objective was to assess the factors that affect the performance of primary school pupils in science. The specific objectives were to find out if learners attitude, facilities available, caliber of pupil, class size, evaluation and motivational level of teachers and pupils among other factors affect the learners performance in science. It also looked at relationship between pupils / teachers characteristics. The study found that there is insufficient quantitative equipment and no trained laboratory assistant in 66% of the population investigated. The workload is too large leading to less time being dedicated to practical work. Also 80% of the pupil had low morale to learn, many of the girls investigated had a general attitude that science being a science subject is difficult and is meant for the boys. Some teachers are very harsh and lack the human face when teaching science and this demoralizes some pupils in studying science. It is however worth nothing that most of the problems cited by the respondents have a workable solution; and if professionally encountered the performance in science examination can greatly be improved.
Description
A dissertation submit to the institute of open and distance education partial fulfillment of t e requirement of the award of bachelor’s degree in education (science) of Kampala international university
Keywords
Education, school environment, Performance, Primary schools, Pupil, Science, Yatta district