Institutional Factors Influencing Head Teachers in Supervision of Teachers’ Service Delivery in Public Primary Schools in Ugunja Sub County,kenya

Abstract

The reason for conducting this study was to carry out research on institutional factors influencing head teachers in supervision of teachers’ service delivery in public primary schools in Ugunja Sub County, Kenya. The objectives the study intended to achieve were to: determine the influence of head teachers’ level of professional training in supervision of teachers’ service delivery; examine the influence of head teachers’ administrative experience in supervision of teachers’ service delivery; establish the influence of head teachers’ workload in supervision of teachers’ service delivery and to determine the influence of school size in the supervision of teachers’ service delivery. The study applied descriptive survey design. The study targeted all 68 head teachers and 602 teachers in public primary schools in Ugunja Sub County, Kenya. 20 head teachers and 182 teachers were purposively and randomly selected for the study from a sub population of 202. Research tools were self-developed questionnaires which were given to head teachers and teachers respectively.2 schools were selected within the Sub County through census for purpose of piloting. Collected data was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Analyzed information was given in frequency tables. The investigation revealed that head teachers supervision of teachers’ service delivery was significantly influenced by institutional factors namely: the level of head teachers’ professional training; head teachers administrative experience; head teachers workload; and school size. It was concluded from the study that head teachers need to be exposed to more zonal professional trainings on instructional supervision. The study further established that even though half of head teachers had over 16 years’ experience, this was not reflected in the frequency with which they supported the teachers. On head teachers’ workload, the study concludes that head teachers handled many lesson a week and additional administrative responsibilities which ate into their time to supervise teachers. It was recommended that head teachers should be designated as school managers to oversee school operations while the deputies should be intensively trained to supervise the mode of instruction. The Teachers Service Commission should rope in the services of Research Triangle Institute for purposes of training on instructional leadership. The study further recommended that studies be carried out on school factors influencing head teachers’ supervision in private schools in Ugunja Sub Ccunty, Administrative factors influencing the performance of senior teachers’ performance in public primary schools in Ugunja Sub County, Kenya.