Factors Influencing Students’ Performance in Kcse French: a Case of Secondary Schools in Lang’ata Sub-county, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to assess the factors that influence the performance Langata sub-county secondary schools’ in French KCSE. Specifically, the research aimed to determine the influence of teaching styles; teachers’ gender; and availability of teaching and learning resources on students’ performance. Composite averages were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. Tables and graphs were used in the presentation of the data. This study found out that teaching styles influence the performance of students in the French language. The leading styles included discussion in small groups, role play and demonstration. The influence of recitation of script, story-telling and question and answer method are less significant. The study found that teachers’ gender does not influence the performance of students in French KSCE with all the gender elements that were studied. The presumption that teachers’ sex-role stereotypes directly and indirectly influences students’ performance does not necessarily apply. Further findings show that the availability of resources influences the students’ performance in the sampled schools. Electronic media to teachers influences students’ performance of French KCSE to a very great extent. French rooms, internet, textbook books for the French subject, exercise books were found to significantly influence students’ performance. In addition, French materials in the library, computer lab, curriculum catalogues for French subjects and charts for demonstrations do influence the performance by students in French KCSE. The study concluded that some teaching styles like discussion in small groups, role play and demonstration influence students’ performance in French KCSE more significantly than others (recitation of script, story-telling and question and answer method). Another conclusion is that teacher’s gender does not influence the performance of students in KCSE French. It’s therefor an insignificant fact when it comes to the teaching and learning process. Lastly, the availability of teaching resources influences students’ performance in French KCSE very significantly. In particular, the use of electronic media by the French teachers influences students’ performance of French KCSE to a very great extent. In addition, French rooms, internet, textbook books for the French subject, exercise books significantly influence students’ performance. Based on the findings, the study recommended that all teachers of the French language in secondary school should maximumly utilize the teaching methods which entail activities and promote discoveries among the students including discussion in small groups, role play and demonstration and many more. The second recommendation is that schools should ensure adequate availability of varying teaching and learning resources like charts, audio-visual materials, real objects and others. Lastly, the schools and other related authorities should promote, embrace and provide new technologies, stock the library with French materials, put up internet-enabled French rooms to promote teaching and learning. This will enhance students’ performance significantly.