Factors affecting pupils' academic performance in Kenya certificate of primary education in public day primary schools in Kenya: a case study of Magena division of Kenyenya district

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the factors affecting academic performance of public primary school in Kenya. Emphasis was put on trying to establish the relationship between parents' involvement, social economic status and school background on academic performance of students at Magena Division, Kenyenya District. The study employed the use of descriptive statistics to establish the nature of the relationships. The validity and reliability of research instruments was established and data collected from 65 respondents selected from all the thirteen school using the simple random sampling method. To analyze the data, the descriptive statistical tool was used with the aim of establishing the relationship between pupils' parents' involvement, social economic status and school background on the academic performance of students. This formed the basis of the detailed analysis and conclusions and recommendations. The researcher confirmed the research objective one, that there is a positive relationship between parent involvement and academic performance of pupils. ~he researcher found out that the parents of Magena Division are not involving themselves fully in matters of academic performance. This is what is causing the low performance in the division. The researcher confirmed that the objective two, that there is a positive relationship between parents' social economic status and academic performance of pupils. Most parents are not supporting in matters relating to academics. The results of this study may be explained by Considine and Zappala (2002) who found that families where the parents are advantaged socially, educationally and economically foster a higher level of achievement in their children. They also found that these parents provide higher levels of psychological support for their children through environments that encourage the development of skills necessary for success at school. There is an urgent need for parents to be more involving-this implies that the parents have to join hands with the teachers to instill discipline, there is need for warm relations between parents, pupils, teachers and educational personnel in order to improve performance. There is also an urgent need for parents to be more supportive towards their children in academic related matters. This implies that the parents have to give adequate time, school uniforms for their children to perform well in academic matters, The parents through their Parents Association should ensure that schools have the necessary facilities and equipments needed for effective learning. Since there is no more cost sharing in the provision of primary education, the government should-provide adequate teaching and learning resources to the schools. The paper has offered a new guidance and directions to policy makers, scholars- and researchers in order to improve the weak areas and respond to changes in the internal and external environment. It aimed to sharpen assistance to developing countries to Improve educational outcomes, with the benefit of new analysis and lessons learned.