School Environment and Learning Adaptation of Pre-Scholars in Selected Pre Schools of Masinga District, Kenya

ABSTRACT The study was on the school environment and learning adaptation in selected pre schools. The purpose of the study was to investigate on how school environment influences the learning adaptation among pre-scholars. The objectives of the study were to examine the demographic aspect of respondents, to identify the school environment, to identify the level of learning adaptation and to establish the relationship between school environment and learning adaptation. The sample population involved teachers and pre-scholars; the sample size was 120 derived from Slovens Formula. Data was analyzed using SPSS by presenting data with frequency tables, pie charts and bar graphs. Data was analyzed using frequency mean, and Pearsons’ linear coefficient of co-relation. To make analysis easier SPSS was used as it makes interpretation easier. Pie charts and bar graphs were used. Findings of the survey indicated that the social adaptations, physical infrastructure were highly influential on the learners’ adaptation. Learners will adapt according to the school environment. The survey was hindered by suspicious and unwilling respondents. The school environment directly influences the learners in their adaptation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration A ii

Declaration B iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement V

Abstract vi

Table of contents vii

List of tables x

Chapter page

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 3

Purpose of the Study 4

Research Objectives 4

Research Questions 4

Hypothesis 5

Scope of the study 5

Geographical scope 5

Content scope 5

Theoretical scope 6

Significance of the Study 6

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 7

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 8

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions From Authors/Experts 8

Theoretical Perspectives 14

Related Studies 15

Three METHODOLOGY 18

Research Design 18

Research Population 18

Sample Size 18

Sampling Procedures 18

Research Instruments i~

Validity and Reliability of the Instrument 19

Data Gathering Procedures 20

Data Analysis 20

Ethical Considerations 21

Limitations of the Study 21

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

OF DATA 22

Prolife of respondents 22

School Environment 23

Learning adaptation 24

Relationship between school environment and 26

learning adaptation

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 28

Findings 28

Recommendations 30

Areas of further research 30

Conclusions 31

References 32

Appendices 34

Appendix I A - Transmittal Letter 34

Appendix I B — Transmittal letter for respondents 35

Appendix II - Clearance from Ethics Committee 36

Appendix III - Informed Consent 38

Appendix IV A - Demographics 39

Appendix IV B - Questionnaire on Environment 40