Factors Affecting Performance of Students in Physics in The Selected Secondary Schools of Ol’kalou Division Nyandarua District, Kenya

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION

APPROVAL ii

DEDICATION iii

AKNOWLEDGEMENT iv

LIST OF FIGURES v

LIST OF TABLES vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS vii

ABSTRACT x

CHAPTER ONE 1

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 1

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Background of the study 1

1.2 Statement of the problem 2

1.3 Objectives of the study 2

1.3.1 General objective 2

1.3.2 Specific objectives 2

1.4 Research questions 3

1.5 Scope of the study 3

1.5. Significance of the study 3

CHAPTER TWO 5

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 5

2.0 Introduction 5

2.1 Conceptual framework 5

2.2 Discipline of students and academic performance in physics 5

2.2 Quality of teachers and academic performance in physics 7

2.3 Facilities in schools and academic performance in physics 10

vii

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY 11

3.0 Introduction 1 1

3.1 Research Design 11

3.2 Study Population 1 1

3.3 Sample Framework 11

3.3.1 Sample Size 11

3.3.2 Sample Technique 12

3.3.3 Sample Procedure 12

3.4 Methods for Data Collection 12

3.4.1 Instruments 12

3.4.2 Sources of Data 12

3.5 Data Processing and Analysis 13

CHAPTER FOUR 14

PRESENTATION INTERPRETATION AND DATA ANALYSIS 14

4.0 Introduction 14

4.1 Profile of the Respondents 14

4.2 Discipline of students and academic performance in physics 15

4.3 Qualities of Teachers and Academic Performance in Physics 21

4.4 Facilities in the school and academic performance in physics 27

CHAPTER FIVE 33

DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 33

5.0. Introduction 33

5.1 Discussions 33

5.2. Conclusions 34

5.3. Recommendations 35

5.4 Suggestions for further research 35

REFERENCES 36

APPENDIX A 38

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to establish the determinants of students’ performance in Physics of Ol’kalou Division, Nyandarua District Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to investigate whether Discipline of students affects academic performance in Physics; Quality of teachers affects academic performance in Physics and to determine whether Facilities in schools affects academic performance in Physics. The methods used for data collection was questionnaires to the students of the schools and an interview guide for the teachers of the school involved in the study. In chapter four, the findings were presented and interpreted in relation to the study objectives and research questions. While linking to the existing literature, results included demographic characteristics, frequency and percentages. Based on the findings it was observed that discipline, quality of teachers and facilities in school affect the academic performance of students in physics. In chapter five, development of solutions to the problem, summary of the findings and conclusions were attempted. The findings suggested recommendations on areas pertaining to the provision of school facilities for students to learn well.