Assessment of factors affecting performance of learners in Chemistry in secondary schools in Mathira constituency, Kenya

Abstract

ABSTRACT The academic performance of learners depends on their individual performance in every single examinable subject. This study therefore assessed the factors affecting performance of learners in chemistry in secondary Schools in Mathira Constituency. The study was guided by the following objectives, to; assess how the teachers competency affects the performance of chemistry, identify the methods used to allocate chemistry teaching resources, investigate the challenges facing teachers in teaching of chemistry and to suggest strategies to be put in place to overcome challenges facing the utilization of instructional media in Mathira Constituency secondary schools. The study was guided by achievement motivation theory as elaborated by Wigfielsand Eccles (2000). The study adopted the Simple Survey type of research in gathering information. The study population was made up of 36 principals, 40 chemistry teachers and 1354 form three chemistry students in the 40 secondary schools. This study applied the Borg and Gall (2003) principle to determine the sample size to arrive at eight principals, 11 teachers and 75form three students. The study applied simple random sampling to select the study respondents in each category. The main instrument used by the study was the questionnaire. The study concludes that the school had enough teaching and learning materials in chemistry subject.The learners were also shown to have negative attitude towards the subject and this meant that the learners’ dreaded chemistry and this affected their performance. The study found out that the school had enough teaching and learning materials in chemistry subject. The learners had a negative attitude towards the subject and this means that the learners fear chemistry and look at it as a difficult subject. The researcher recommends that the learners need counseling to change their attitudes towards chemistry subject. Finally the researcher recommends that the laboratory practicals be enhanced to allow learners regularly perform tests in these laboratories under the supervision of teachers and laboratory technicians.