Abstract:
Teachers are the torch bearers in creating social cohesion, national integration and a
learning society. They not only disseminate knowledge but also create and generate new
knowledge. They are responsible for acculturating role of education. No nation can even
marginally slacken its efforts in giving necessary profession. Thus teachers and teacher
trainee, the key factor in all educational development , need to be professionally
equipped with teaching competencies, commitment and determination to perform at
their best. The quality of education is a direct consequence and outcome of the
quality of teachers , teacher trainee and teacher education system. The purpose of this
study is to investigate the factors affecting performance of teacher trainees in
Kericho teachers training college. In order to achieve the purpose of this , six
research objectives were addressed that is: to establish the extent to which teacher
trainees are aware of the factors that affects performance, to establish the extent to
which teaching / learning resources affects performance of teacher trainee , to
establish the extent to which teachers’ knowledge and skills affects performance of
teacher trainee , to establish the extent to which teachers attitudes and beliefs affects
the performance of teacher trainees, to establish the extent to which student/ trainee
attitude affects their performance and to find out the extent to which school
environment affect performance of teacher trainee in Kericho teachers training
college. The theoretical framework of this study is derived from the functionalist
conception of education. The study adopted a case study research design. Purposive
sampling is used to select the respondents. a sample of 180 students , 30 teachers, 1
principal, 1 examination officer and 2 HOD formed the respondents of the study.
Data is collected by use of structured questionnaires, interview schedules and observation
checklist. Data from the research instruments were analyzed using descriptive and
inferential statistical analysis. With the help of SPSS, data is analyzed using correlation
and regression analysis. Descriptive frequency statistics, tables, bar graphs were used to
present the data. Correlation analysis is used to test the hypotheses and established the
significant relationship between independent and the dependent variables using the
standard significance level of 0.05. The outcome of the study is therefore expected to
help the Ministry of Education to re-examine its policies regarding the teacher’s
trainee education using the results and knowledge. It is hoped that the findings and
recommendations will be used to address the factors affecting performance and advice
the Ministry of Education in redefining policies concerning teaching and learning in
teacher training colleges.