Influence of teacher characteristics on motivation of preschool children in learning the English language in Starehe District in Nairobi County
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to find out the influence of teachers’ characteristics on
motivation of preschool children in learning the English language in Starehe District
Nairobi County. The study was guided by the following objectives: establish the effects
of teacher’s experience; investigate the impact of teacher’s attitude, determine the impact
of teacher’s pragmatism and evaluate the effects of teacher’s flexibility on motivation of
pre-school children in learning at Starehe District. The study adopted a descriptive
survey design that employed quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study was
guided by Maslow’s human needs theory. Questionnaires, interview and observations
were used to collect data from teachers, head teachers and pre-school children
respectively. Data were analyzed by use of percentages, frequencies, mean and standard
deviation. Data was presented by use of tables, charts and graphs. This was further
analyzed and presented through narratives, tables and graphs. The findings of the study
revealed that teachers who have been in the profession for a long time motivated preschool
children better than those who are fresh from colleges. They encourage both boys
and girls in the English language activities. However, the teachers who are certificate
holders have poor pragmatism concept and are not flexible enough to achieve that level
of motivation which leads to children’s good performance. The study concluded that
there is a need to have regular in service training for the preschool teachers in order to
equip them with new teaching methodology. The government should also provide
resource materials to preschools to supplement what the parents provide. The study
recommends that the teachers’ training programme should cater for the future
requirements of the teachers in the classroom. The study also recommends that there
should be more research done in a larger scope. The study also recommends that more
research should be done on parental involvement in children’s performance.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Subject
Preschool ChildrenDescription
Thesis Master of Education in Early Childhood Education in the Department of
Educational Communication and Technology
Collections
- Faculty of Education (FEd) [6020]