Role of school based factors on quality of education in public secondary schools in Nyamira north district, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate role of school based factors on quality of education in public secondary schools in Nyamira North District, Kenya. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted in this study. The sample for the study was 38 principals, 234 teachers, 357 form three and four students. Data were collected by use of questionnaires and was analysed by use of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Findings revealed that learning environment influenced quality of education. Findings also revealed that instructional resources and physical facilities affected quality education. Findings indicated that schools did not have the required instructional resource which affected quality education. Findings further revealed that physical facilities influenced quality education. Assessment materials influence quality education. Based on the findings, the study concluded that learning environment influenced quality of education. Schools did not have adequate number of trained teachers. They also had large classes which teachers were not able to comfortably handle. The study also concluded that instructional resources and physical facilities affected quality education. For example, textbooks were inadequate in their schools, stationery in the schools were inadequate and in poor state. Majority of schools had inadequate laboratory chemicals and equipment. The study also concluded that physical facilities influenced quality education. For instance schools had inadequate classrooms, inadequate laboratories and toilets. The study further concluded that use of assessment materials influence quality education. For example, CATs were not administered frequently which could affect quality education while teachers were dissatisfied with revision supplementary materials. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the school administration should create and enhance conducive school environment which will facilitate effective teaching and learning hence improving quality education provision. The school administration should provide adequate instructional resources which will ensure effective teaching and learning hence enhancing quality education. The school administration and the school management should provide adequate physical resources to ensure quality education is provided to the students and lastly that schools should design proper student assessment materials that will enhance quality education. A study undertaken to investigate other intervening factors outside the school and which have an effect on the quality of education in public secondary schools should be conducted. A study should be undertaken to establish challenges encountered in achieving and maintaining education quality in public secondary schools should be conducted. A study should be undertaken to determine role of INSETS and workshops for teachers on education quality in public secondary schools should be conducted and lastly a study should be undertaken to establish contribution of teacher training and competence on quality education in public secondary schools should be conducted.