Determinants of secondary school teachers' participation in master of education programme, A case of public secondary schools in Langata district, Kenya

Abstract

The study was carried out in public secondary schools of Langata District in Nairobi. The Districthas five public secondary schools with a population of 105 teachers. Out of these, 18 of them have participated in or are participating in M.Ed programs in various universities. The main purpose of this study was to explore on the determinants of these secondary school teachers' participation in Master of Education programmes. Some of the objectives that guided the study included the researcher's wish to establish the extent to which the teachers, demographic factors, their pursuit of various promotions and their need for a high self esteem and self confidence determined their decision to participate in M.Ed programmes. The research questions guiding the study dwelt on how demographic factors influenced the teachers' choice to participate in M.Ed programmea. There were also questions seeking to establish the extent to which teachers' want for promotions and their need for a higher self esteem and self confidence determined their participation in M.Ed programs. Lastly, the researchers were asked to suggest measures that could be put forward to encourage teachers in the District to participate in M.Ed programs. This study employed a descriptive survey research design. In this study, the sample included five public secondary schools (n=5), sixteen teachers (n=16) and five HODs (n=5) out of whom four respondent to the interview. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the teachers .and interview guide was used to collect data from the HOD. The collected data were entered into the computer using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Both descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data. From the analysis the study established that there were a number of determinants of teachers' participation in Masters of Education program. From this study it can be concluded that the major determinants of teachers' participation in M.Ed included the need to raise their self esteem and self confidence particularly on matters of curriculum and the integration of leT in teaching and learning. Many teachers also wish to attain promotions to various levels in their profession as well as get in to managerial positions. Teachers need more professional guidance and counseling skills to cope with a changing and challenging society, the study established that only one of the teachers participating in M.Ed was male. The study further revealed that the M.Ed holders were more motivated in their work, they worked harder, were well organized, confident and informrd.The study also revealed that when head teachers are friendly to their teachers and involve them in school activities , teachers are encouraged to participate in M.Ed and develop themselves professionally. The study recommends that M.Ed course should be mandatory to all teachers who have taught for at least five years.to help them cope with this dynamic society. It was further recommended that M.Ed courses should be continuously reviewed to include content relevant to the contemporary society and its emerging issues. Finally, all teachers should upon attainment of M.Ed be promoted to the next Job group. The study recommends a further investigation as to why the majority of teachers pursuing M.Ed in Langata District in Nairobi are female, and what measures should be taken to encourage the males also to participate. An investigation could also be carried out to find out the benefits that the teachers who have done their M.Ed are enjoying.