Perceived effects of family factors influencing pupils’ academic performance in public primary schools in soy division, Eldoret west district

Abstract

The purpose of this study was an investigation on the influence of some selected family factors on the academic performance of pupils in public primary schools in Soy Division Eldoret West District. The specific objectives of the study were; to establish how the income level of the pupils’ family as well as the occupation, educational attainment and size has on pupils’ academic performance in public primary schools in Soy Division Eldoret District. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study was based on education production theory by Coleman (1966) which emphasize on application of the economic concept of a production function to the field of education. The target population was 334 teachers, 835 pupils and 334 parents. Stratified, purposive and simple random sampling methods were used to select 100 teachers, 250 pupils and 100 parents who participated in the study. The research used questionnaires and interviews as data collection instruments. Two sets of questionnaires were used. Validity of the research instruments was ensured by availing the instruments to Moi University lecturers and supervisor and integrating their comments in revision of the instruments. Reliability was done by use of Croncbach Alpha. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential techniques such as percentages, means and then presented using pie charts, table and graphs. ANOVA was used to test the hypotheses of the study. The study found out that majority of parents were from lower socio-economic class. They lived in mud houses which are iron sheet roofed and own between 1-5 acres of land. The findings were that the income levels positively affected provision of textbooks, learning materials ,school uniforms ,food and medical services to pupils. Pupils from low social economic status were found to have an average academic performance. Parents whose occupation was low had more children who performed poorly. This implies that the lower the parents occupational level, the poorer pupils’ performance tends to be. Educated parents positively influence the learners academic performance by buying textbooks. Families which have 0-5 members performed averagely and that those families with 17 and above members performed averagely as well. Based on this finding it was found out that family size did not affect academic performance of the pupils’. Based on the findings, the study recommended the use of better farming techniques and the government to allocate more funds to lending institutions at affordable interest rates. The government should fund income generating projects by giving out loans with subsidized interest rates. Parents should improve on their education level through adult education programs. The study further recommended that families should be encouraged to embrace family planning programs.