Socio-Economic Status of Parents and Academic Performance of Students in Biology Subject of Koimbe Secondary School in Muranga District Kenya
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Date
2009-11
Authors
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala International University, bachelors degree of education(SNE)
Abstract
This is a case study of Kiombe Secondary school located in Mulanga in the Central
province of Kenya. It attempted to find out the factors that contribute to the poor
performance among students of Kiombe secondary school in K.C.S.E Biology
examinations.
Some of the issues investigated included the attitude of students towards biology,
attitude of teachers towards biology, use and availability of resources (books,
teachers, laboratories, library etc) the teachers' qualification and experience and the
role of school administration.
Orientation of biology as a subject for future careers, and the students participation
in the science congress.
The researcher did a case study of Kiombe secondary school with form 3 and form 4
boys and girls and teachers in the school. The research instruments used in the
study composed of teachers and students questionnaires and interview schedules
conducted on the principal. Deputy Principal and the Head of science department as
well as observation schedule around the school.
Sampling was done to select eight (80) students of both form 3 and 4 in which 40
boys and 40 girls were selected at random and they formed a student sample. The
two biology teachers formed the teachers' sample. The administrative sample was
composed of the principal, Deputy principal and the Head of Science Department.
The data was then collected and analyzed through descriptive analysis method using
percentages in tabulated manner. The following observations were made:
• The teachers have a positive attitude towards the subject while students have
a negative attitude towards the same.
• Students do not make use of the textbooks available
• Teachers are qualified with long teaching experience
• Students do not do private studies; they do not utilize their time well, they
misunderstand instructions and also do not have memory tools
• Teachers rarely mark students work and the syllabus is never completed
• English as the medium of communication is a big problem.
These factors are the major causes of poor performance. The study recommends
that the students be well guided on study habits, how to use their time properly and
productively. They should also be taught some memory tools. The curriculum
implementers, teachers and inspectors should strengthen their efforts in providing
guidance to enable students participate fully in biology activities for example biology
day, science congress etc. Students should be given some orientation on the subject
so that they develop a personal vision, know why they should study biology, what is
their future career prospect and also know the hazards of studying biology.
More research should be carried out to find out other factors that could lead to poor
performance apart from the ones studied while using a larger sample so that findings
can be generalized to other schools as well.
Description
A Dissertation Submitted To the Institute Of Open and Distance Learning As Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of a Bachelors Degree in Education (SNE) Of Kampala International University
Keywords
Socio-Economic Status, Academic Performance, Biology Subject, Muranga District Kenya