Learning Influence and Academic Performance of Students in Chemistry in Mosocho Division, Kisii District, Kenya.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the learning influence and academic performance in chemistry in secondary schools in Mosocho Division. Kisii District. Kenya. This study was necessitated by the repeated poor performance witnessed amongst candidates in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E). Examinations in Chemistry subject in the division. The study therefore sought to establish the factors behind the same with the view for setting the stage for reviews and reforms in pedagogy and learning environment.

The literature review focused on the teacher related factors. student related factors and physical facilities as the ones that may influence performance of students in a subject. This was because performance of learners is believed to be a function of teaching and learning processes, of which these factors are indispensable. The study targeted all the 16 schools in Mosocho division of Kisii District. In the schools, there were 16 teachers of Chemistry, 16 Head teachers and !.800 students who were in form 3 and form 4 and taking Chemistry  further the physical facilities that are used in teaching Chemistry were targeted. Such facilities are laboratories. Laboratory equipment and text books among others.

The researcher used simple random sampling in the selection of schools for the study. Thus. eight (50'%) schools were selected. Purposive sampling strategy was used in the selection of 16 teachers or Chemistry and 16 Head teachers. The study further used the sale Study in the selection or Form 3 and Form 4 Chemistry students I(H· the Study.

The physical facilities were observed and the documents analyzed were selected purposively. The researcher utilized questionnaires in soliciting information from the Chemistry teachers. head teachers and students of Chemistry. The document analysis guide was used in soliciting information about the actual physical facilities that aid Chemistry teaching within the schools in the study. The document analysis guide was also used in accessing the student performance in K.C.S.E in the schools in the last 5 years and the actual inventory of physical facilities for teaching chemistry in schools. The findings of the study were reported using means, percentages, frequencies tables and standard deviations.

Title Page

Declaration

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Table of contents

List of figures

TABlE OF CONTENTS

List Of Abbreviations And Acronyms

INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study

Theory

Literature Review

PAGE

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viii

1

1

4

11

Significance of the Study 15

Objectives 15

Study questions 18

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 18

Design 18

Instruments 19

Data Collection Procedures 21

Statistical Treatment of Data 21

DEFINITION Of TERMS 22

BIBLIOGRAPHY 23

APPENDICES 27

Appendix 1 - 1 Transmittal Letter to the Head Teacher 27

Appendix 2 - 1 Transmittal Letter to the Teacher of ctremistry