Preparation for the certificate of primary education and its relation to performance in the examination

Abstract

purpose of this study was to find out the methods used in preparing standard seven pupils for sitting the Certificate of Primary Education. It was also to find out whether there is any relation between the amount of time spent in this preparation and performance in the examination. In the light of findings suggestions were to be made. To do this, a few standard seven classes in Nyeri and Kirinyaga Districts of Central Province were observed and the methods employed there noted. A few teachers in these schools were also interviewed, A questionnaire was also administered to form one students in four Secondary Schools in Kirinyaga District. This questionnaire was basically on their C.P.E. preparation in standard seven the year before. Special emphasis was put on approximate time spent on this preparation per week. After analyzing the results, it was found that the methods employed in the standard seven classes are to encourage memorization and drilling of facts. It was also found that there is no positive correlation between the amount of time spent and performance. In view of these findings, it was recommended that the nature of C.P.E. should be changed to make it more comprehensive and possibly less computerized. It was also suggested that the extra time spent by standard seven pupils in standard seven should be reduced as it did not seem to be doing them any good.