Determinants Of Students Performance In English In Primary Schools Case Study: Mathare Slums Nairobi, Kenya

ABSTRACT

This research was carried out on determinants of poor performance in

English in primary Schools in Mathare Slums Nairobi, Kenya. It concentrated on the

lower farms as it was felt that poor performance at the National Examination could be

starting at the low levels. The purpose of the study was to examine the factors responsible

for the above so that measures would be taken to correct or rectify the situation. The

specific objectives therefore ranged from determining the qualified teachers teaching

English to the treatment of students in the school situation. In this treatment, factors like

co-curriculum activities, ethnic background and physical facilities were investigated.

Rational for the study was that the information provided would be used by curriculum

implementers to ensure successful implementation of the same. Corrective measures also

can be instituted after provision of factors as this paper sought to do. To do this research

work took the form of a survey study covering five schools from the selected area. A

hundred and fifty students were selected randomly to participate in the study. Among the

respondents were also fourteen teachers and a few principals. To collect data, about three

instruments were used. These were questionnaires, interview schedules and observation

sheets. All collected useful data. This data was collected using discipline methods and it

was presented using tables and measures were through the percentages. The study

revealed that among others the determinants of poor performance in English was due to

poor job satisfaction because most of English teachers did not really train as English

teachers. Another factor was lack of utilization of available learning resources. It was

also noted that these schools had very few clubs that could really help them to learn

English with no exception of ethical background. The main findings in this study were

that most of the teachers teaching English through professionally as teachers have

actually not been trained to teach the correct integrated English taught in our school. Also

involving students in co-curriculum activities provides them with exposure and thus the

four aspects of language are learnt in real situations outside classroom. It was found out that students’ attitude towards both the teacher and the subject affects their performance. Recommendations were made to the policy makers in matters of English education and also to further researchers.