Causes Of Poor Performance In Poetry Among Secondary School Students In Turbo Division; Eldoret District, Kenya

ABSTRACT

The persistent low achievement in English in the K.C.S.E. exams is partly due to dismal results

in Poetry. This course is taught as part of Literature and examined in Papers 101/1 and Paper

101/2 of the English Exam. Poor results in English have punitive implications especially since

good grades in the subject are central and crucial in all career fields and further education and

training. It is for this reason that this study sought to determine the factors that influence

performance in Poetry among secondary school students. The focus was on the nature of poetry,

learners' attitudes, teaching/learning resources and teaching methods. These factors have been

verified by analyzing data collected using questionnaires. Data was collected from Form Two

and Three students, their English subject teachers and the respective Heads of Languages

Departments in the schools that constituted the population of the study. A total of 4 schools were

sampled, where an equal number of 10 students were selected in each class per school, a subject

teacher and the Head of the Language -Depaitment. The data was analyzed using statistical

methods such as bar graphs and percentages. The results revealed that the learners' poor attitude

towards Poetry, inadequate teaching/ learning resources and poor teaching methods were

responsible for the poor performance in Poetry. This is further compounded by the nature of

Poetry and a heavy workload for teachers. These

results have given insight into the problem. Luckily, practical remedies are possible. These

include: encouraging learners to embrace poetry, improving teaching methods and providing adequate teaching/learning materials