Influence of headteachers instructional supervision on students performance in K.C.S.E in public secondary schools in Kwale district, Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of headteachers instructional supervision on students' performance in K.C.S.E. in public secondary schools in Kwale district. The research was based on five objectives. The research wanted to establish how often headteachers conduct internal instructional supervision and its influence on students performance in K.C.S.E., determine whether headteachers have undergone in-servicing on instructional supervision and its influence on the performance of students in K.C.S.E.

The research further was to determine whether instructional supervision by headteachers influences teacher motivation and hence students performance in K.C.S.E. The other objectives of the study were to establish teachers' attitude towards instructional supervision and its influence on students' performance in K.C.S.E. Finally the study was to establish the challenges faced by headteachers in conducting instructional supervision and its influence on students' performance in K.C.S.E.

The research design was descriptive in nature, focusing on schools in K wale district. The population of the research comprised of 18 secondary schools, 90 HOD's and 54 form four class teachers. Random sampling technique was used to select the sample elements. Information was collected using a questionnaire developed by the researcher and administered with the help of trained research assistants. Descriptive methods were employed and data presented in the form of frequency distribution tables and pie charts that facilitated description and explanation of the study findings. SPSS software was used to generate frequency distribution tables.

The findings are expected to provide schools in Kwale District, Ministry of Educational planners and KIE with a better understanding of the influence of headteachers instructional supervision on students' performance in K.C.S.E. in public secondary schools. The impact of effective instructional supervision in public secondary schools especially with a follow up by headteachers was clarified. The findings revealed that 92% of the respondents agreed that instructional supervision influence student's performance in K.C.S.E., 8% of schools in Kwale district do .not conduct instructional supervision while 78% reported to have a negative attitude towards head teachers' conduct of instructional supervision.

This study therefore recommends more training and collaboration between government and secondary schools headteachers. Further the study suggests that attention should be placed on assisting the teachers to improve their teaching effectiveness. Supervisors should.start providing a friendly atmosphere and a warm interpersonal relationship for the supervised teacher.