Influence of Teachers’ Characteristics on Pre-school Children in Learning Reading Activity in Langata Sub-county, Nairobi County

Abstract

This study endeavoured to find out the influence of teachers’ characteristics on pre-school children in learning the reading activity in Langata District, Nairobi County. Four objectives guided the study and these were; to establish the influence teachers’ experience has on performance of pre-school children in reading activity, to determine the influence of teachers’ qualification on performance of pre-school children in reading activity, to establish the influence of teachers’ salary level on performance of pre-school children in reading activity, and to determine teachers’ content knowledge on performance of pre-school children in reading activity in Langata District of Nairobi County. The study adopted a descriptive survey design that employed quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study was anchored on Vygotsky’s Social Constructivist theory of cognitive development. This theory focuses on social interactions that play a fundamental role in the development of cognition. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from head teachers and teachers, while observation was used to collect data from pre-school children respectively. The findings of the study revealed that teachers who have been in the profession for a long time easily influenced pre-school children more than those who are fresh from colleges. They were found to encourage the children in the reading activities. However, it was found that the teachers who are certificate holders have poor concept of content knowledge, and do not spare time for reflection which incidentally lowers the performance of children in reading. The study concluded that there is a need to have regular in service training for the pre-school teachers in order to equip them with new teaching methodology and content. The government should also provide teaching and learning materials instead of teachers and parents providing the same. Also teachers’ salary should be enhanced.