IInfluence of bachelor of education degree on teacher development: a case of primary schools in Limuru District, Kenya.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of Bachelor of Education degree on teacher development: A case of Primary Schools in Limuru District, Kiambu County.Not enough is known about how teachers working in primary schools adopt and adapt the knowledge and pedagogical skills they have acquired through B.Ed. degree to address the particular learning needs of young students in their actual schools, explore opportunities, income earning, exercising autonomy and chances of career development. This study therefore attempts to establish the influence of B.Ed. degrees on teacher development. The study was guided by four objectives. The first objective focused on the influence of B.Ed. degree in pedagogical skills on teacher development. The second objective determined the influence of B.Ed. degree in information technology literacy on teacher development. The third objective was to determine the influence of B.Ed. degree in career development on teacher development. The fourth objective tried to examine the influence of B.Ed. degree in performance-based pay incentives on teacher development. A conceptual framework was used to get an understanding of the interplay of the variables involved. The study was based on Fredrick Herzberg two factors theoretical perspective. The research design employed was descriptive survey. The target population was 324 primary school teachers. This population comprised of B.Ed. parallel degree graduates and student teachers out of which 99 respondents were sampled. A questionnaire was used as the research instrument which was pre tested for reliability and validity. The results of the pilot study were used in making modifications for the instrument to ensure its clarity, accuracy and sustainability. The data collected was then coded and processed using the SPSS. It was then analyzed, interpreted and presented using frequency and percentage tables. The findings of the study indicated that B.Ed. degree had a significant bearing on teacher development. There is a substantial influence on teachers’ professional development as well as individual development. This was in terms of improved pedagogical skills, adoption and use of information technology in their professional activities, improved chances of career development and aspirations and improved performance- based pay incentives which motivates teachers. The teachers indicated that primary B.Ed. degree option, adoption of on line learning and promotion of computer qualified teachers would enhance quality education.