Publication: Operational management and students academic achievement in Public secondary schools, a case study of Gatundu north sub County Kiambu countty
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2014-08
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Mount Kenya University
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of management by educational personnel,
management of instructional materials, management of educational facilities and management of
finances on the performance of secondary school students in Gatundu North District.
The researcher used a cross-sectional survey design, which employed quantitative and qualitative
approaches. Out of the 13 schools, the researcher selected four secondary schools; which were
government aided, one purely girls, the rest mixed. The target sample for students and teachers was 152
but 149 questionnaire were received and key informants were 10 out the 16 targeted. Percentages were
used to test the effect of management by educational personnel, instructional materials, and facilities on
performance of secondary school students.
The research found out that management by educational personnel accounted for 6.2% change in
students' academic performance in Gatundu North District. Management of instructional materials
accounts for 6.6% change in students' academic performance in Gatundu North District. Management of
educational facilities accounts for 5.3% change in students' academic performance in Gatundu North
District.
The research concluded that head teachers need to be adequately trained in their managerial roles so as
to regularly supervise their teachers and other school activities. Among others, they should plan for staff
development, staff houses, means of transport because most teachers are diploma holders, who commute
from their homes far from school which is negatively affecting students‟ academic performance. There
is no reading culture and research by both teachers and students since they are inadequately exposed to
the use of instructional materials, consequently affecting academic performance of most schools in
Gatundu negatively. There is a significant positive relationship between management of educational
facilities and students‟ academic performance. Lack of laboratory and library facilities in one case and
lack of electricity and running (taped) water in most schools cannot provide students conducive
environment for studying. Most head teachers do not raise enough finances to adequately cater for all
running and development costs. Meager funds are used for administrative purposes other than for
purchasing laboratory equipments, chemicals, instructional materials and paying teachers‟ salaries and
allowances. That is why teachers are reluctant to teach. The research recommended that head teachers
should be adequately trained by the Ministry of Education and Sports to enhance their managerial roles
more effectively. Teachers and students should be more exposed to the use of instructional materials in
order to develop reading culture and research. Head teachers should budget for the provision of essential
facilities like electricity, running water, laboratory and library facilities, which will improve on the
learning environment. Head teachers need to be trained in resource mobilization skills to diversify
sources of income for their schools. Hence, ensure adequate remuneration for teachers to boost their
natural interest and commitment to work.