Effects of quality assurance and standards officers' instructional supervision on pupils' achievements in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education in Dagoretti District, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence ofQASO's instructional supervision practices on KCPE performance in Dagoretti district. Five research questions were formulated to guide the study. This study was an exploratory study and it employed a descriptive survey design. The sample population comprised in 22 headteachers, 110teachers and 5 QASO officials. The researcher relied on self-administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative analysis. Findings revealed that most of the schools had not been supervised. It was also revealed that QASO conducted a variety of supervisory practices in the schools. Findings also revealed that supervision had a great impact on the side of academic performance in all levels. It was also revealed that majority of the headteachers were of the opinion that supervision is of value to teachers if done well. Findings also showed that majority of the headteachers indicated that QASO supervisory behaviors stimulates teachers' participation in classroom instruction, the headteachers further denied that QASO is concerned with offering specialized skills in advising and helping the teachers. Based on the findings it was concluded that revealed that most of the schools had not been supervised which implies that lack of supervision by the QASO means the teachers could be using improper methods of teaching which may affect pupils academic performance. The study also concluded that QASO conducted a variety of supervisory practices III the schools. For example majority of the headteachers indicated that the QASO conducted block supervrsion, mass supervision, panel supervision, visits the classrooms, observed schemes of work and follow up the QASO recommendations. It was also concluded that supervision had a great impact on the side of academic performance in all levels. They added that it had improved performance and the quality of teaching and learning inthe schools. The study further concluded that supervision was of value to teachers if done well. Further conclusions showed that majority of the headteachers indicated that QASO supervisory behaviors stimulates teachers' participation in classroom instruction, the headteachers further denied that QASO is concerned with offering specialized skills in advising and helping the teachers. Institutional factors such as distance to school mode of transport for the QASO affected supervisionby QASO. Based on the above findings it was recommended that the government should avail the required resources to facilitate supervision and inspection of school by the QASO. It was also recommended that teachers should cultivate positive perception towards supervision and inspection. It was lastly recommended that the QASO should conduct supervision with an aim of assisting teachers in teaching and learning. Taking the limitations and delimitations ofthe study, itwas suggested that since the study was conducted in one district, there is need to conduct a similar study in another district. It was also suggested that an investigation on the role of supervision on school policy development should be conducted. It was lastly recommended that a study on the relationship between head teacher and QASO training and its effect on supervision of school should be conducted.