Factors influencing girls academic performance in secondary schools in Butere- Mumias district

Abstract

This study set out to establish factors that affect academic performance of girls in secondary schools in Butere-Mumias District. The study covered the period 1999-2001 and involved both mixed and single-sex secondary schools. The district was chosen because the schools there in sUQWed a variance in academic performance between girls in single-sex and those in mixed-sex schools. Form four students were chosen as the target population due to their long stay in school. The sample of the study comprised 306 girls from a target population of914 girls selected through both purposeful and simple random sampling. Through administered questionnaires, the study elicited views on the factors affecting the academic performance of girls in secondary schools in the district. Tables showing percentages were used to show the responses. Some of the major findings of the study were that factors affecting the academic performance of girls in secondary schools in Butere-Mumias District were both within and outside the school. These were social economic background and social cultural perceptions of students as well as that of their teachers. The research found out that the specific factors that influenced academic performance included: promptness of paying school fees, frequent change of schools by students, lack of consultation of teachers by students. The research also found out that teacher attitude to students influenced their choice and liking of various subjects in school. Finally the study recommends that those factors mentioned be addressed to make the learning environment more conducive to academic activities. In line with the findings and conclusions of study, the following suggestions were made for future research: 1. There is need to replicate the present study using other statistical methods such as ANOV A to establish if similar findings will be arrived at. 2. There is need to replicate this study in other districts and provinces in order to validate the reliability and ascertain its findings.