Influence of selected institutional factors on performance of mathematics in primary schools, a case of Migori Sub- County, Migori County, Kenya

Abstract

The contribution that mathematical knowledge and skills make to the economic, industrial and technological growth of the modern world are quite obvious to almost everyone as it enters into all areas of human activities. However as important as the subject is, the tremendous and persistent failure of standard eight pupils in Kenya has remained a major threat to its learning. The subject is viewed in Kenya and even in the developed world as difficult to learn, thus most pupils complete primary school without grasping the fundamental arithmetical skills required. This study therefore sought to establish the influence of selected institutional factors on pupils‟ performance in selected schools in Migori Sub-County. The study will focus to determine the influence of teacher/ pupil ratio, teaching methodology, adequacy of instructional materials and teacher characteristics on performance in Mathematics in primary schools in Migori County. The study used descriptive survey research design, mixed methods approach. The target population was120 head teachers, 960 teachers and 24,000 pupils. A sample of 552 respondents was drawn consisting of 24 head teachers, 288 teachers and 240 pupils. Stratified proportionate random sampling technique was used to select head teachers while random sampling was used to select teachers and pupils from the schools whose head teachers had been selected. Three five point likert type of questionnaires were used to collect data from head teachers, teachers and pupils. The questionnaires were validated by a team of experts from the department of Educational Psychology. Reliability was tested by subjecting the instruments to a pilot study among six schools from Rongo district that did not take part in the study. Cronbach‟s alpha was used for analysis of reliability in which a value of 0.86 and above was found. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to process the data collected. Results of data analysis were presented using frequency distribution tables, bar graphs and pie charts. The findings indicated that the student teacher ratio was too many in relation to the expected ratio. The teaching methodology used by the schools being studied was rated as effective by majority of the respondents, however others still perceive that the methodology they use is not effective. The study also found out that most of the instructional materials were available but inadequate, for example blackwalls, manila papers and main class textbooks were rated below 50% which was below average. It was concluded that school administrators and policy makers. need to seek and develop policies to ensure that ideal performance management is implemented for sustained short and long-term positive enduring effects on pupil‟s performance. There is need for government to employ more mathematics primary school teachers. This will enable attainment of recommended pupil teacher ratio in schools which currently is far above the required standards. It will also help to offset the problem of teacher shortage as a result of over-enrolments caused by introduction of Free Primary Education