School Environment and Academic Performance of Pupils in Selected Public Primary Shools in Butula Division, Butula District, Kenya

ABSTRACT This study explored the school environment and academic performance of pupils In Selected Public Primary Schools in Butula Division, Butula district, Kenya. The central research questions were “i) what is the profile of the pupils as to; age, gender, rank in the family and level of learning? ii) What is the level of school environment of the pupils? iii) What is the level of academic performance of the pupils? iv) Is there a significant relationship between the level of school environment and academic performance of pupils in Butula division”. To answer these questions, data were collected from teachers in 10 government primary schools in Butula division. A total number of 550 questionnaires were sent out and successfully responded to. The study employed a descriptive correlation survey design and expo facto whereby both the Qualitative and quantitative paradigms were used for research design. Simple statistical methods like frequency analysis, percentages were used for data analysis. The findings of this study are imperative for educational planning and management that environment had a negative impact on the student performance and this opinion was found to be true by the teachers’ perceptions about school environment and academic performance of pupils. The study recommended; Environmental considerations should be embedded in teacher education and in school management training, so that these important elements are not relegated to the ‘background noise’ of educational discourse and Environmental improvement in schools should be locally driven, user-led and embedded in pedagogy.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Page

Declaration A ii

Declaration B iii

Approval Sheet iv

Dedication v

Acknowledgements vi

Abstract vii

Table of Contents viii

List of Tables xi

Chapter Page

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 2

Purpose of the Study 2

Research Objectives 3

Research Questions 3

Hypothesis 4

Scope 4

Significance of the Study 4

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 5

Two LITERATURE REVIEW 7

Concepts, ideas and opinions from other experts /authors 7

Theoretical Perspectives 8

Related Studies 11

viii

Three METHODOLOGY 14

Research Design 14

Research Population 14

Sample Size and Sampling Procedure 14

Research Instrument 15

Validity and Reliability of the Instrument 15

Data Gathering Procedures 17

Data Analysis 17

Ethical Considerations 18

Limitations of the Study 18

Four PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS AND

INTERPRETATION OF DATA 19

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 24

Findings 24

Conclusions 28

Recommendations 29

References 31

Appendices

Appendix I Research Questionnaire 34

Appendix II Clearance from Ethics Committee 40

Appendix III Transmittal Letter 41

Appendix IV Informed Consent 42

Appendix V Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae 43