Causes of poor performance in poetry among secondary school students in turbo division: Eldoret District, Kenya
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Date
2009-12
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kampala International University.College of Education
Abstract
The persistent low achievement in English in the K.C.S.E. exams is partly due to dismal results
in Poetry. This course is taught as part of Literature and examined in Papers 101/1 and Paper
101/2 of the English Exam. Poor results in English have punitive implications especially since
good grades in the subject are central and crucial in all career fields and further education and
training. It is for this reason that this study sought to determine the factors that influence
performance in Poetry among secondary school students. The focus was on the nature of poetry,
learners' attitudes, teaching/learning resources and teaching methods. These factors have been
verified by analyzing data collected using questionnaires. Data was collected from Form Two
and Three students, their English subject teachers and the respective Heads of Languages
Departments in the schools that constituted the population of the study. A total of 4 schools were
sampled, where an equal number of 10 students were selected in each class per school, a subject
teacher and the Head of the Language -Depaitment. The data was analyzed using statistical
methods such as bar graphs and percentages. The results revealed that the learners' poor attitude
towards Poetry, inadequate teaching/ learning resources and poor teaching methods were
responsible for the poor performance in Poetry. This is further compounded by the nature of
Poetry and a heavy workload for teachers. These
results have given insight into the problem. Luckily, practical remedies are possible. These
include: encouraging learners to embrace poetry, improving teaching methods and providing
adequate teaching/learning materials
Description
Research report submitted to the Institute of Open and Distance Learning in partial fulfilment of requirements for the award of a bachelor of Education of Kampala International University
Keywords
Poor performance, Poetry, Secondary school, Students