Publication: Factors influencing academic performance of Girls in public primary schools in Yatta sub-county In Kitui county.
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2015-04
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Mount Kenya University
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Abstract
Education for Girl child is facing a major challenge in primary schools even at backdrop of massive
enrolment in primary following free primary education. This has obvious implications on progressive
welfare of a girl child. This study sought to investigate impact of teenage pregnancies in girl child
education and its effect to academic performance of girls in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education in
public schools in Yatta Sub-County, Kitui County. The researcher used descriptive design. The study
targeted primary schools which were 34 public primary schools in Yatta Sub County; the division had
population of 476 teachers and 13158 pupils. Out of the 34 public schools, 10 schools will be purposively
sampled for this study and a sample of 1 class from every school was randomly selected. The theory applied
in this research project was Social learning Theory by (Bandura 1991). The researcher used questionnaires
which were designed with open and closed ended questions. Descriptive analysis was utilized for quantitive
data. The quantitative data was also analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences programme
(SPSSP) to make the process simple, faster and more accurate. The respondents we r e r a n do m l y se l
e c t e d a n d the y comprised o f teachers and pupils. Data was gathered through questionnaires
and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software programme. The
findings were presented in form of graphs, charts and tables. It was found that rewards, economic well
being of parents and women role models had positive influence on academic performance of girls. It
was recommended that there is need to educate girls on dangers of pre-marital sex and early marriage. The
study recommends that punitive action be taken by law enforcers on members of society who sexually
offend minors leading to pregnancies. Regarding women role models, it is recommended that schools
should invite academically successful women as motivational speakers in schools to inspire young
learners. Schools should reward girls for good performance to motivate them. Light punishment as
behavioral correction strategy is important to keep the girls in track with their academic goal. The study
concludes that women academic role models and rewards have positive impact on girls’ morals
and academic performance while punishments and teenage pregnancies have adverse effects.