Factors Leading to The Poor Performance in Physics in Selected Secondary Schools of Nyeri South District, Central Province - Kenya.

ABSTRACT The major purpose of the study was to determine Gender physics concepts' perception and its effects on academic performance of students in selected Secondary schools of Nyeri South district, central province of Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to investigate the relationship between girl's attitude and performance in physics, Investigate the relationship between teachers' attitudes and girls' performance in physics, Determine the relationship between the curriculum and performance of girls in physics, Determine the relationship between over crowded classes and performance of girls in physics. The methods used for data collection were questionnaires to the pupils and interviews with the teachers. The study revealed that few girls enjoy physics because they think that physics is hard and meant for boys who are clever. The study found out that teachers attitude towards girls performance in physics also affected there performance. The study also revealed that overcrowded classes contributed to poor performance of girls in physics. Finally the study revealed that the curriculum was too heavy for girls to handle and therefore performed poorly in physics. The government should construct facilities at school for chemistry teachers to teach in a conducive environment in order to aid the better performance of physics students in their schools. The government should have a policy in place that encourages the taking up of physics subject especially to the female students who at times think they are not good enough for the subject. The girl students should be encouraged to relate equally with there fellow boy students in all subjects regardless of whether it is physics or not.