The extent to which streaming is practiced: a survey study of Nairobi Secondary Schools

Abstract

The present study is divided into five chapters. The first chapter, provides an introduction to the study in terms of definition, statement of the problem, purpose, aims of the study and methodology. In Chapters 2, 3, and 4 the data are presented as obtained in the course of the investigation whereas the final chapter discusses these findings and proposes various recommendations. 2. As stated in Chapter I, this study addresses itself to streaming as practiced in Nairobi secondary schools. The study's main concern is to come to better understanding of streaming both in operational and in factual terms. 3. Although streaming is a widely accepted concept in education, both in Kenya and elsewhere, its precise meaning is not always clear, particularly so in operational terms. Further-more the extent of streaming in a given situation, such as, Nairobi is not always known. Hence the study investigates in factual terms the extent of streaming in Nairobi and thereafter tries to arrive at an operational definition. 4. To investigate the extent of streaming implies in this case first a general survey on streaming in Forms I _.IV in all Nairobi schools (46) and a more specific inquiry into attitudes among Headteachers, teachers, pupils of eleven (11) schools. 5. To this end three questionnaires, namely for headteachers, Form IV class teachers and Form IV pupils were used to elicit information concerning the study. Also, personal interviews were administered to eleven headteachers. In all, the total population used for the study was forty-six schools of varying categories, twenty-three class teachers of Form IV Arts and Science streams, seven hundred and fifty-five pupils of Form IV Arts and Science streams, and eleven headteachers of different categories of secondary schools. The data obtained in the study are analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics, that is percentages. 6. Findings From the general survey questionnaire, the study found out that the operational definition of streaming in Nairobi secondary schools is the grouping of pupils according to their academic ability and performance. Most head teachers and class teachers favour streaming because it eases their load as pupils are grouped according to their academic ability in various subjects and their learning paces. The Ministry's laid down policy on streaming is not very clear although a heterogeneous grouping of pupils is widely advocated for. 7. Limitations The study was limited to Nairobi area only because, in the first place, it is a surveyor rather an exploratory study on the extent to which streaming is practiced. Secondly, the time allocated for the study and the resources available were rather limited. Thirdly, Nairobi's easy system of communication enabled or rather, contributed to the study being carried out here. 8. Summary and Recommendations In conclusion, the study found out that streaming as practiced in various categories of Nairobi secondary schools is the grouping of pupils into classes according to their academic ability and performance in different subjects. An operational definition is suggested along these lines. The Ministry's laid down policy on streaming is not very clear. Although a heterogeneous approach is advocated for, it is not however clearly stated so. It seems from the study that perhaps because of the policy being unclear, headteachers, and teachers have interpreted it to mean grouping pupils on their academic ability. The study suggests that in the light of what it has found out, the ministry should be very clear in defining the process of streaming after holding discussions with headteachers, teachers and parents on whether the present practice of streaming in schools should be continued or not. Secondly, the study being pioneer in the field of streaming is to lay down ground work for further research of an interpretative nature.