Teachers’ Classroom Practices and Pupils’ Performance in Public Primary Schools in Suna East Sub County, Migori County, Kenya

Abstract

Teacherclassroom practices impact on learners’ academic performance. This study investigated the influence of teachers’ classroom practices on pupils’ performance in public primary schools in Suna East sub-county, Migori County. Specifically, the study sought to determine teachers views on use of practical leaner-centered approaches on the pupils’ academic performance; communication practices on pupils’ academic performance; their practical experiences in teaching on the pupils’ academic performance; and formative assessment on pupils’ academic performance. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Through simple random sampling techniques, 126 primary school teachers and 20 headteachers were sampled for the study. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from teachers and headteachers. Quantitative data were analysed by use of descriptive statistics such as means and standard deviations while qualitative data were analysed using categories and themes.Findings revealed that learner-centered approaches influence pupils’ performance (M = 3.00; SD = .864). Teachers’communication practices were good (M =2.633; SD = .823) and they influenced pupils’ performance. Teachers in Suna East sub-county exposed learners to practical experiences but their skills were still at developmental stage (M = 2.49; SD = 1.038) and they needed support. The respondents also agreed (M =2.78; SD = 4.99) that formative assessment influences pupils’ performance.It was recommended that there is need to embrace effective teacher-learner communication in order to enhance the learner ability and to motivate them. Teachers should use more practical experiences to make classroom more interesting, enjoyable and appealing.To solve the problem of inadequate skill among the teachers, there is need to improve their professional practice by embracing continuous professional development.The researcher recommended a similar study to be conducted in the private schools for purposes of data generalizability.