Attitudes of students towards studying history and government in some selected secondary schools of Miriga Mieru division, Imenti north district

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate student attitudes towards studying History and Government in some selected secondary schools of Miriga Mieru division of Imenti North district in Eastern Province in the republic of Kenya. Data were collected using teachers and students questionnaires. The teacher questionnaire comprised both open-ended and closed items. The student questionnaire used a 5 point- likert scale ranging from strongly agrees to strongly disagree. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data were presented with the aid of tables, percentages and, graphs. From the analyzed data major discussions were made and reported. Most of the students were found to be having negative attitude towards studying History and Government. It was established that there were several factors like the teaching methods, teachers themselves, events and dates for memorization and availability of job opportunities that influenced the student attitudes towards studying History and Government. The findings of this study helped the investigator to give suggestions and recommendations. The teachers should take the initiative to sensitize the students that all the subjects in the school curriculum contribute to different training careers in the future. Teachers should avoid using methods like the lecture and note taking because it is contrary for the students to sit, passive and inactive during lessons for long.