Influence of headteachers’ management of resources on pupils’ performance in Kenya certificate of primary education in public schools in Kangundo division, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of headteachers’ management of resources on pupils’ performance in KCPE in public primary schools in Kangundo Division. The objectives of the study were; to determine to what extent the management of teachers by headteachers influence pupils’ performance in KCPE, to establish the extent to which management of school time by headteachers’ influence pupils’ performance in KCPE, to establish the extent to which headteachers’ management of teaching and learning resources affects pupils’ performance in KCPE and, to determine the extent to which management of physical facilities by headteachers’ influence pupils’ performance. The study employed descriptive survey design. The sample consisted of 30 headteachers, 178 teachers and 1180 standard 8 pupils in all the primary schools in Kangundo Division. A review of related literature was carried out under the following sub-headings:- the concept of resource management, influence of head teacher’s management of teachers on pupils’ academic performance, influence of headteachers’ school time management on pupils’ academic performance, influence of headteacher’s management of teaching/learning resources on pupils’ academic performance and influence of the management of physical facilities by headteachers’ on pupils’ academic performance. Data was collected using three sets of questionnaires. The instruments were piloted and tested for validity and reliability. The reliability coefficient got for headteachers questionnaires was 0.85, for teachers was 0.89 and pupils 0.79. The response rate for headteachers was 100%, for teachers 88.3% and for pupils 92%. These percentages are deemed adequate for data analysis using the SPSS statistical package. The study established that performance is based on a number of factors both administrative and resource based, teachers are responsible and work hard, are motivated and attend seminars, time is well managed, teaching and learning resources are inadequate in most of the schools and the physical facilities are fairly adequate. The factors contributed to average performance in Kangundo Division. Lastly, all the respondents concurred that the schools have inadequate teaching and learning resources. To overcome this problem, parents have been requested to supplement the government funding by buying teaching and learning resources for their children and their schools. They can also seek assistance from donors and well wishers. The study concluded that the pupils’ performance in Kangundo Division is average and is affected by inadequate teaching and learning resources, failure to manage time well in some schools, inadequate number of seminars for headteachers and teachers, inadequate physical facilities in some schools, understaffing, absenteeism of learners among others. The study recommended the following areas for further research: - The Impact of management of resources on Kenya Certificate of primary Education. Other resource factors that influence performance in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education. The role of Teachers Service Commission on effectiveness of headteachers in resource management that may influence KCPE performance. Other researchers could also carry out similar study in private schools in the District for comparison purposes. The study was mainly carried out in a rural setting. To give a balanced view of the influence of headteachers’ management of KCPE performance in public primary schools, a similar study can be carried out in a purely urban setting.