Factors affecting enrolment and performance of female students in physics a case of secondary schools in Kaiti sub-county, Makueni county-Kenya.

Abstract

The study intended to probate the factors that influence enrollment and performance of girls in Physics in selected schools within Kaiti Sub County, Makueni County. Physics is a branch of Science taught as an optional subject in secondary schools in Kenya. Subject selection and choices for Science tend to have more girls choosing Chemistry and Biology, and few of them settle for Physics. A descriptive survey design was carried out in eighteen schools in the sub-county, selected through stratified sampling. Various data were collected from 210 students, 36 Physics teachers, 18 heads of department, and 18 principals. Under quantitative data analysis, descriptive statistics were used. The data analysis showed that the school teaching/learning environment had a significant impact on girls' enrollment and performance in Physics. It indicates that the girls were average on Mathematical concepts, and an extra effort was required to improve this rate. Some girls stated that their parents had a first-hand influence on their future occupation and career choices made. The study recommends that both parents and teachers be involved in guidance, motivations, subject selection, and career choices. As parents provide the advice and material motivation, teachers give advice from a professional view and instill noble counsel subject selection and career choices. The girls also indicated that even though they chose to select Physics, there was a notion that Sciences, Mathematics subjects, and the associated careers were a better fit for the men. The study recommended that the school management provide gender-sensitive facilities conducive for both female and male students for the learning of Physics. It also suggests that girls need guidance from both parents and teachers to develop a positive attitude towards Physics and erase the negative dogmas. Lastly, it endorses a link between Physics and Mathematics departments to teach the Mathematical concepts found in Physics.