The impact of the SMASSE inservice training on the performance of chemistry in the Kenya certificate of secondary education (KCSE) in secondary schools in Kangundo sub county Machakos county

Abstract

The study was concerned with poor performance in the subject over the years. The researcher therefore was guided by the following objectives. i. Identify the influence of SMASSE in-service training towards the performance of chemistry ii. Establish the teachers and learners attitude towards chemistry and the impact of SMASSE towards it The study sampled secondary schools using the purposive sampling techniques. The sample population included the Head teacher, at least a Chemistry teacher and at least ten students in every institution. Data was collected using questionnaires for the teachers, students and Head Teacher from each of the sample schools. The collected data was represented using tables and graphs and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The main technique for the analysis was casual i.e. regression analytical technique. The study found out that some of the factors influencing the performance of Chemistry in K.C.S.E were:-Availability of learning facilities, negative /neutral attitude towards the subject and poor payment of school fees. Based on the above findings that the researcher recommends that, lack of facilities/ improvisation of learning resources makes the study of the subject abstract. There was a need to sensitize the Head teachers to prioritize the provision of the basic laboratory learning resources. The subject teachers should improvise where possible. Both the Head teachers and subject teachers should be exposed to INSET fora to constantly refresh them on the methods and actions to be put in place to enable them to be more effective and sufficient towards the subject. Bursary allocations to poor students should be availed to curb time wastage and disruption of learning when these students are sent home due to lack of payment of school fees.