Factors influencing academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Teso South District, Western Province-Kenya

Abstract

Performance in this study has been defined as the standard to which one does a piece of work or examination. It is also perceived as the effectiveness of how one has done a task given to him or her. The background of this study looked at how academic performance is the kingpin in the general development of individuals, community nation and world at large Todaro (1997) looked at the future of a nation as being pegged on nothing less than the rapid and effective development of its education system, hence hope of achieving high living standards hence this depend on ability of every country to train and educate their citizen at all levels Burn in Asunder (1983) Thus this study is strongly founded on Victor Vrooms Expectancy theory Vroom (1964) in which Vroom emphasized that expectancy is a motivating factor in every performance of task one is engaged in Muola (1990) and Mwangi (1995) draw attention to Government, Educationist, Parents, Teachers and Students towards improved performance that is commensurate to the colossal funding by Government towards education sector to achieve performance.

This study assessed factors influencing academic performance of students in Public Secondary Schools. The purpose of study was to find out whether parental involvement, staff establishment, instructional material and resources, management styles and peer pressure influence academic performance. The objective of study was based on whether these variables influenced academic performance of student. Questionnaire entitled SPSSTSD were used to collect data for study and data collected was analysed using frequencies and percentages and presented in tables. Findings showed that parental involvement, staff establishment instructional materials and resources, management styles and peer pressure influenced academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Teso South District of Kenya.

Suggested recommendation were that there is need to prioritize provision of instructional materials and resources in school since this influenced highly the academic performance of students in schools and the need for the government to lift the freeze of employment of teachers. In conclusion in order for academic performance of students in public secondary to be improved, there's need to educate parents on their roles responsibility and commitment to get involved positively in support of their children's education. There's also need for professional training for guidance and counseling teachers to be equipped with tools to curb peer pressure.