Factors influencing enrollment of female student’s in physics in public secondary schools in Thika sub-county, Kiambu county, Kenya

Abstract

Women and girls in Kenya constitute more than 55 percent of the country's population and their full participation in science and technology at the leadership and research level is crucial for realization of Kenya development Vision 2030. In view of this, girls enrolment in physics nationally and particularly Thika Sub-County, Kiambu County, is of a great concern since many girls are technically not eligible for many university and polytechnic science courses where physics is a requirement. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the factors influencing girls' enrolment in physics in public secondary schools in Thika Sub-County, Kiambu County. The study was guided by four research objectives which include: To determine extent to which teachers professional training influences girls enrolment in physics in Thika Sub-County, Kiambu County, to examine the extent to which teaching and learning resources of physics influence girls enrolment in physics in Thika Sub-County, Kiambu County, to examine how the attitude of students toward physics influences girls enrolment in physics in Thika district and to examine how guidance and counseling of students on career choice as influenced girls enrolment in physics in Thika Sub-County, Kiambu County. The study employed cross-sectional descriptive survey design. To gather both qualitative and quantitative data. The research instrument used was questionnaires which had both closed ended questions and open ended questions. A sample of 20 schools, 20 headteachers, 24 physics teachers and 400 students were used in the study. Quantitative data and descriptive data were used to analyze and generate frequencies and percentages while qualitative data was analyzed according to themes and was converted into frequencies and percentages where necessary and also reported as a narrative. The study revealed that the professional training of teachers had no influence on students enrolment in physics since all teachers were trained to teach in secondary schools. Teaching and learning resources had no influence in physics enrolment since even those schools that had inadequate resources, the enrolment was still low. The study also revealed that girls' attitudes toward physics were positive. Career masters and the counseling departments were found to be very ineffective and had a great influence on girls low enrolment in physics. The researcher concluded that there was low enrolment of female students in physics in public secondary school in Thika Sub-County, Kiambu County. The researcher recommended that more female teachers to be trained in physics in order to demystify the notion that physics is a male domain. The physical facilities in the district should match the number enrolled in the schools. Teachers should be trained in career choice not only in psychological counseling, counseling should be effective in the schools. A country wide research study on factors influencing girls' enrollment in physics is highly recommended