Effects of television viewing on English language performance in secondary schools in Imenti central, Meru county.

Abstract

This study looked into the effects of television viewing on academic performance among secondary school students, Meru County. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of television programmes on academic performance of secondary school students in Imenti Central, Meru County. Study objectives were to determine whether there was any relationship between television viewing and performance of the English subject. The relationship between the number of hours spent watching the television and its effects on academic performance. The existence of Kenyan governments‟ policies on television viewing and its effect on performance among secondary school students. Review of literature was done with Bandura‟s social learning theory being the theoretical framework besides a relevant illustrated conceptual framework. The design of the study was descriptive survey, the target population for the study were five public secondary schools. A population of 150 students, 100 teachers and 50 parents were randomly selected from the group. The researcher took 30% of the total target population which was 90 respondents, 45 students, 15 parents and 30 teachers. Instruments used were participant observation and a focus group discussion guide. Also used were secondary school teachers‟ records of work, terms report cards and students‟ daily diary. Data analysis was done both qualitatively and quantitatively. The study recommended further research on: A comparative study for determining the effects of television on academic performance of public secondary school students and private secondary schools. There is also need for a specific study to bring to light the effects of television on categories such as urban secondary schools and rural secondary schools.