School Psychosocial Environment and Achievement of Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Kwanza District Trans-Nzoia County Kenya

ABSTRACT 

The purpose of the study was to investigate the school psychosocial environment and the academic achievement of students in secondary schools in Kwanza district .The study involved students and teachers from fifteen schools to provide information based on a standard instrument called the PSE profile adopted from W.H.O. From the findings of the study it was discovered that there was no significant relationship between the psychosocial environment and academic achievement of students. A descriptive quantitative ex-post-facto survey design was used for the study. The psychosocial environment was discussed from the seven indicators of a positive psychosocial environment. These are providing a friendly, rewarding and a supportive atmosphere; supporting cooperation and active learning; forbidding physical punishment and violence; not tolerating bullying, harassment and discrimination; valuing the development of creative activities; connecting home life through involving parents and promoting equal opportunities and participation in decision making. The school academic achievement of students was measured using the 2010 K~C.S.E results. Means have been used for the analysis of the data and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was used to correlate the two variables. The study found out that psychosocial environments of the schools were not very conducive and therefore recommended that they should be improved.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter

One: THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 3

Purpose of the Study 4

Research ObJectives 4

Research Questions 4

Research HypothesIs 5

Scope 5

Geographical Scope

Content Scope

Theoretical Scope 6

Significance of the Study 6

Operational Definition of Terms 7

Two: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Concepts, Opinions, Ideas from Authors I Experts 8

Theoretical Perspectives 20

Related Studies 20

Three: METHODOLOGY

Research Design 22

Research Population 22

Sample SIze 22

Sampling procedure 25

Research Instruments 25

Reliabiiity 26

Data gathering Procedure 27

Data Analysis 27

Ethical Considerations 28

Limitations of the Study 29

Four: PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 30

Five: FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS

Findings 48

Conclusion 55

Recommendations 56

References 58

Appendices

Appendix I — Transmittal Letter 63

Appendix II — Face sheet-respondents’ profile 64

Appendix III — research instrument for LV 65

Appendix VI — Record sheet-student achievement 77

Appendix V —Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae 78