Teachers' and Students' perceptions on the factors Influencing the choice of Home science in secondary Schools in Uasin Gishu County

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out the teachers' and students' perceptions on the factors that influence the choice of home science in secondary schools. The objectives of the study were to find out the effect of the cost of inputs in the choice of home science, to investigate the effect of the attitude of the stakeholders towards home science on the choice of the subject, to find out the important factors that schools consider in deciding to . offer home science, and to investigate the factors that influence the students' decision in the choice of home science. Stratified random and simple random sampling techniques were used to select respondents from a sample of 20 schools. The respondents comprised head teachers, heads of department, home science teachers and students. Data collection instruments that were used were questionnaires and interview schedules. Validity of the instruments was assessed by experts in the department of management and policy studies while reliability was established through piloting. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data, which involved the use of frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that the schools' choice of home science is influenced by the availability of human and physical resources and facilities, a good performance in national examinations, value of the subject for the girl child, the need to instil life skills in the students, the cost of inputs and career opportunities related to the study of home science. The students' choice is influenced by the desired future career, personal liking of the subject, the usefulness of the subject and parental advice. The study recommended that schools should source for funds so as to provide adequate facilities for the study of the subject, home science should cease being offered as an integrated subject, the introduction of entrepreneurship skills to home science students, enhancing career counseling in schools, and interaction between professionals in home science related fields with students. Research needs to be carried out on ways of making the content and processes of home science relevant in meeting emerging needs and on how to direct the home science programme to focus less on the domestic front but rather be oriented more towards being academic and commercial so that it competes effectively with other academic subjects.