Factors Influencing Student Performance In Biology In Kcse In Day Secondary Schools Of Kisumu West District

ABSTRACT

The general observation was that the perfom1ance of day secondary schools in KCSE

Biology was comparatively poorer than boarding secondary schools. This study, therefore

aimed at carrying out an in-depth study of the various factors affecting student

performance in the KCSE Biology examination in Kisumu West District.

The general hypothesis was that there is significant relationship between various school

and home variables and student performance in day secondary schools.

The theoretical framework used in the study was that of Production Function Theory of

education used to explain the relationship between various inputs and outputs and how

the input variables interact to influence educational output.

The study population was 22 day secondary schools in Kisumu West District. Simple

random sampling technique was used to get a sample of 8 schools representing 30% of

the target population. Data was collected from biology teachers and students. Data

collection instruments were questionnaires, interviews, document analysis and physical

observation. Questionnaires were open - ended and closed - ended. Interviews were

conduced to enable clarification for responses given.

Document analysis was done on the previous KCSE results of schools visited. Physical

observation of facilities was conducted to get a true picture of the learning conditions in

these schools..