Factors influencing pupils academic performance in the K.C.P.E exam in Kathiani Division of Machakos county, Kenya

Abstract

The school environment is an integral part of the overall management of the school. Education in a school is determined by the enrichment, management and utilization of resources in the school environment. A direct relationship exists between the school environment, quality of school facilities, teaching personnel and learning materials and the overall education process. The above will determine the instructional programmes and academic performance of the school. The study investigates the influence of school environment in pupils academic performance as perceived by the Headteachers and Teachers in Kathiani Division of Machakos County. The school environment includes the school Building design, use of instructional materials in teaching and learning process and the impact of physical facilities on pupils achievement. The researcher employed descriptive survey design to conduct the study. The target population consisted of seventy one mixed day primary schools in the Division. The sample consisted of thirty two schools, the Headteachers of the sampled schools was automatically included in the study while the teachers were randomly selected. The data was collected through an interview schedule from the school Headteachers by means of a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics using stastical package for social sciences (SPSS). The analyzed data was then represented using frequency tables and percentages. The study established that school environment had a lot of influence in pupils academic performance. Infrastructural factors such as the classroom designs, desks, latrine/toilets, playfield among others were considered in the study. The infractional materials and their full utilization was considered to influence the learners academic performance; instructional methods and all the physical facilities were the major determinants of the pupils academic performance. Having attained research findings the research made the following recommendations: The ministry of Education should allocate more funds to improve on the school environment and embrace on information communication technology in schools. The Headteachers should design; renovate facilities such as sanitation infrastructure, playfields, supply of water and power in schools. The teachers service commission should employ more teachers to counteract the over crowded classroom as a result of free primary education. Infrastructional materials should be fully utilized in schools.