Influence of Strengthening Mathematics and Sciences in Secondary Education in-service Training on Students’ Academic Achievement in Physics in Merti Sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to determine how SMASSE INSET influenced students academic achievement in Physics in Merti subcounty, Kenya. The objectives included : to determine the influence of the useIBL approach taught in SMASSE on students academic achievement in physics, to determine the influence of the use of ICT integration as taught by SMASSE on students academic achievement in physics, to determine the influence of the use of peer support on on students academic achievement in physics and to determine the influence of the use of subject content taught in SMASSE on students academic achievement in physics.The study employed descriptive survey research design and targeted two(2) SMASSE trainers, 8 physics teachers and 170 physics students. The research used simple random sampling in selecting the 170 students from the sampled schools. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics which included frequencies, correlation and regression analysis. The findings of the study indicated IBL approach positively influenced academic performance. The study found out that learner centered activities contributes to effective teaching. Learner critical thinking skills, activeness in class, retention and understanding of science concepts can be achieved using the IBL approach. Students group activities enhance learner participation in class. The study further established that the use of ICT tools like PowerPoint presentation makes learners attentive in class, performing of experiments using virtual laboratories is time saving and PhET Colorado virtual laboratory helps in explaining complex concepts in physics. The study further found out that schools in Merti sub-county have inadequate laboratory equipment hence the integration of ICT in teaching positively influences academic performance in physics. The study found out that physics teachers in Merti sub-county collaborates with each other and always allow learners to collaborate with each other Furthermore, the study established that teacher’s quality of teaching in Merti subcounty improves termly, they have new pedagogies of handling challenging physics concepts and good mastery of subject content improves teacher’s confidence in teaching which enhances syllabus coverage without any challenges. The study also found out that physics teachers in Merti sub-county have innovative ways of doing practical work in physics. The study recommended tha the ministry of education and the school board of management should provide adequate ICT infrastructure to enhance learner’s digital literacy skills. The CEMASTEA taskforce should monitor teachers trained in the SMASSE INSET at school level in order to assess the effectiveness of the Programme. The ministry of education and CEMASTEA should increase the frequency of physics teachers SMASSE INSET to enhance positive results of the schools. The researcher recommended a similar study in other areas to establish the case in the regions