Influence of activities on performance of Language activities in pre-schools in Ndeiya division, Kiambu county

Abstract

This study looked into the effects of television on academic performance and social behaviour of pre-school children in Tiriki East Division, Hamisi District. Several researches on television viewer ship have been carried out in developed countries. Here in Kenya pre-school children have access to television in many places. Thus there was a need for a research of this kind. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of television on academic performance and social behaviour of pre-school children in Tiriki East Division, Hamisi District. Study objectives were to determine whether television influenced aggressive behaviour, academic performance and development of English, Kiswahili and Mother Tongue languages. The study presented a strong basis for further academic research. It was limited to those who watched television and delimited to Tiriki East Division of Hamisi District. The assumption was that the sample frequently and regularly watched television. Relevant literature on television viewer ship to preschool children was rewatched with Bandura??™s social learning theory being the theoretical framework besides a relevant illustrated conceptual framework. The design of the study was descriptive survey, the target population for the study were public pre-schools in Tiriki East Division, Hamisi District. Thirty five public pre-schools were used. One hundred and forty preschool children, seventy pre-school teachers, seventy pre-school parents and four administrators that formed the focused group discussions (FGD) were used for the study. Instruments used were questionnaires, an interview schedule, and an observation guide. Also used were pre-school teachers records of work, two terms report cards and pupils daily diary. Piloting was done in the neighbouring Nandi North Division as it shares similar characteristics with Tiriki East Division. Data was collected using the above instruments by the researcher and trained research assistants. Data analysis was done with the help of a computer program SPSS for statistical analysis. The study found that pre-school children modeled aggressive behaviour from television and that television enhanced academic achievement. It was also found that television influenced English, Kiswahili and Mother tongue languages of pre-school children in Tiriki East Division, Hamisi District. It was concluded that parents and teachers felt proud when academic performance of pre-school children improved. Pre-school pupils modeled most of what they watched on television and that language is essential for human communication. The study recommended further research on effects of television of pre-school pupils in private schools and academies.