Institutional Factors Influencing Students’ Performance On Kenya Certificate Of Secondary Examination In Public Secondary Schools In Masinga Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate institutional factors that influence students ' performance on Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination in public secondary schools in Masinga Sub - county. The study objectives were; to determine how the provision of instructional materials affects the students’ performance on KCSE in Masinga Sub-County, to determine the extent to which staffing level and student teacher ratio influence student’s performance on KCSE in Masinga Sub-County, to determine the influence of headteachers’ supervisory roles on teaching and learning process on students’ performance on KCSE in Masinga Sub-County and to assess the influence of physical facilities on students’ performance on KCSE examination in Masinga Sub-County. This study used the descriptive survey design. The sample consisted of 1 DQASO Officer, 19 headteachers and 216 teachers. Data was collected using questionnaires. Validity of the instruments was assessed through being evaluated by the specialists in the area and supervisors from the Department of Educational Administration and Planning and reliability was assessed by use of the test-retest method. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. The researcher presented the data in tables, bar graphs and pie charts. It was found that most schools in Masinga Sub-county do not have sufficient instructional materials, are not adequately staffed, that the headteachers perform their supervisory roles as required and that most schools have inadequate classrooms, laboratories, libraries and classrooms. Based on the findings the study concluded that professional qualifications influence student’s performance in KCSE. Headteachers supervised the teachers to ensure that they implement the curriculum effectively. The study concluded that most of the teachers in the sampled schools have large workloads and hence syllabus completion might take longer than usually expected. The Ministry of Education should increase funds for free secondary tuition to finance the procurement of more instructional materials. The Ministry of Education should employ more professionally trained teachers The Ministry of Education should also offer an opportunity for further teacher professional training through workshops, seminars and short courses. The study suggests that, since the study was confined to DQASO, headteachers and teachers as respondents leaving out other stakeholders such as parents, PTA, and BOM members, a related study should be carried out involving them since they are equally involved in day to day running of public secondary schools.