| dc.description.abstract | This study was designed to establish the factors influencing academic performance of standard eight girls in public primary schools in National exams in Matungu division. The researcher aimed at finding out why there is increased low performance of girls in public schools despite the fact that they are assessed through periodic performance tests, do continuous assessment tests (CATS), mid tenn, carry out tuition and the provision of free primary education which is aimed at improving academic performance. This study adapted a descriptive survey design as a major method of research where data was collected by the researcher from members of a population under study.
The target population comprised of Head teachers, teachers, pupils, parents and parent schools representatives. The total population of the respondents was 106 from a sample size of 1060 who were selected by 10010 as noted by Borg and Rumble (200 1). Purposive sampling technique was used to single out head teachers, parents and school representatives. Other methods included simple random technique. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and interview guides. Data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics constituting frequencies and percentages.
The data was collected using two instruments. The parent school representatives were subjected to an interview that had been developed in an interview schedule. All the others had information from them got using questionnaires designed for each group.
The study established that girls were exposed to harsh school environmental conditions, they walked long distances to school, schools lacked facilities like toilets, libraries and were exposed to male pest teachers. There were also teacher factors like training, teacher shortage and motivation that affected girls performance.
The study came up with recommendations for improvement of girls academic performance. More public schools should be build to reduce on distance and also overpopulation. The Ministry of Education should monitor and evaluate the academic performance of girls in rural areas. The government should put up strict rules on 'pest teachers'. The Ministry should hire more teachers. | en_US |
