Factors influencing girls' performance in Physics at KCSE in Kericho District, Kenya

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to establish the factors that influence girls performance in physics at K.C.S.E in Kericho District Kenya. The researcher sought background information of the study, developed research questions and research objectives. The significance, limitation and delimitation of the study are stated. The researcher read the literature of the research study and objectives and formed a conceptional framework to show the linkage between the variables.

The study used questionnaires as a research instrument that targeted Principals, Physics teachers and form 3 girls taking physics in the sampled schools. The principals' questionnaires and interview sought information on the principals' task as a manager and administrative styles that they employ. Teachers' questionnaire sought information on personal characteristics, teaching experience and theirattitude towards girls taking physics. The students' questionnaire targeted more on their attitude and the role of their parents/guardian in their performance in physics at K.C.S.E. The study was an ex-post facto in design.

The sample for the study was 10 public secondary schools in Kericho, of which 5 were girls boarding, 3 were mixed boarding and day and 2 were mixed day. On data analysis, presentation and interpretation, the frequencies and percentages were used to give answers and draw conclusions to the research questions of the study. The study established that there is a relationship between administrative tasks, administrative style, teachers' attitude, girls' attitude and girls' performance in physics at K.C.S.E. Availability of resources like laboratories, text books and human resource also has direct influence on performance in physics.

As a result of the study certain recommendations were made. First Principals need to be trained on public relations and administrations to enable them prioritize issues in Secondary School management. Second, research needs to be carried out on students' attitude towards physics and achievement in physics.