Determinants Of Performance Of English-Language Among Public Primary Schools In Matuga Kwale, Kenya

ABSTRACT

English language plays a key role in Kenya‟s educational system, not only as an important subject but also as the medium of instruction. English is very important in Kenya because it is a language of official communication. It is also the language of official instructions. In spite of this, its performance has continued to decline thus, costing the country a lot in terms of availability of skilled manpower and economic growth. The poor achievement in English in Matuga Sub-County may have contributed to the poor achievement in primary level certificate. Even though studies have been carried out to determine the reasons for general poor performance in the KCPE examinations in various Counties in general, determinants of performance of English-Language subject among public primary schools in Matuga Sub-County have not been singled out as a subject that learners do perform poorly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of performance of English-Language subject among public primary schools in Matuga Sub-County. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: To establish the perceptions of learners‟ towards English language, instructional techniques, instructional materials, evaluation techniques and environment of the learner on performance of English-Language subject among public primary schools in Matuga Sub-County. This research problem was studied through the use of a descriptive research design. The study targeted learners in standard 6 and 7 from the 80 sampled public primary schools spread across the 11 locations in Matuga Sub-County. A sample of 30% was selected from within each group in proportions generating 26 schools. The researcher selected a sample of 4 pupils per class through stratified random technique. In addition, the head of departments, the head teacher (or the deputy) and two English teachers as well as two parents in each of the sampled schools were sampled making a total of 364 respondents from who the study sought information from. The researcher gathered data by use of questionnaires administered through drop and pick later approach. A descriptive statistics analysis was employed. Tables, charts and graphs presentations as appropriate were used to present the data collected for ease of understanding and analysis. The study found out that the attitude towards English language has a significant effect on the performance of English-Language among public primary schools in Matuga Sub-County. The study recommends that English teachers should explore various instructional techniques for teaching and learning of English so as to enhance pupils‟ performance in English. Equally, teachers should improve evaluation strategies that will ensure pupils who don‟t complete their English homework are guided accordingly and rewarded for better performance in their exams.