Factors influencing the choice of Science Subjects in Kenya’s Secondary Schools: a case Study of Kirimunge Mixed Day Secondary School in Kirinyaga County

Abstract

The education systems of today are characterized by several optional subjects that students have to choose from. It is from this observation that the researcher sought to get a more profound comprehension of the variables that impact the decision of science subjects in Kenya's auxiliary schools, a contextual investigation of Kirimunge Mixed Day Secondary School. The scientist expected for the investigation to edify the school administration on the components that guide the understudies in their decision of science subjects. The examination embraced an expressive review plan. The populace for the investigation was every one of the understudies in Kirimunge Mixed Day Secondary School in Kirinyaga Central Sub-County. An example size of 6 educators and 126 understudies was drawn from the instructors and understudies from frame two to four. Essential information was gathered by utilization of a poll. The examination created both subjective and quantitative information. Quantitative information was broke down utilizing enlightening insights. Subjective information was broke down in light of the substance matter of the reactions. The examination discovered that the school administration was in the forefront in promoting science subjects by hiring extra science teachers (peer teachers) whom the students could identify with and whose purpose was to promote a positive attitude towards science subjects. The study revealed that teachers influenced choice of science subjects through poor association with understudies, unacceptable pace of substance conveyance and poor strategies for instructing. Sexual orientation was a key factor in the decision of science subjects as demonstrated by the fact that most female students shied away from selecting physics since they felt it was better left to the boys who performed better in mathematics. In the study, few cases of parental influence on subject choice were recorded. This was through students who reported that their parents had already set career paths for them hence they had to pick subjects that were in line with the said careers. The study found out that most students had an already set out career path that they wished to pursue and this was what greatly influenced their subject choices. The study concluded that it was important to allow students a free hand in the subject choice as this increased their motivation which in turn boosted performance. The study recommends that students should be encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards sciences. Teachers should cultivate cordial relationships with the student in an effort to improve student’s negative attitudes. Only competent and qualified teachers should be allowed to handle science subjects. Gender differences should be discouraged amongst students. Parents need to positively influence the subject choices of their children. Career guidance and counseling is useful in enhancing informed subject choices and the school should fully support the support the subject choices of the students and provide a favorable environment for learning of science subjects by establishing fully equipped laboratories for practical. For further research the study recommends a study to be carried out to evaluate the factors influencing the student choice of humanity subjects in the same school.