Students’ Characteristics, Teachers’ Perceptions And Achievement In Science Subjects Among Students In Public Secondary Schools In Laikipia County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

The way that students see their future is a central influence on what subjects they choose to take at Secondary school. Previous studies indicate that there exist gender disparities in most careers that are considered prestigious and especially Science-based careers. For national development both boys and girls should take up Science subjects aimed at enhancing innovations. This study therefore is set to find out the influence of students‟ characteristics and teachers‟ perceptions on Science subjects among secondary school students in Laikipia East District, Laikipia County. This study was guided by the following objectives: find out the learners‟ perception towards science subjects and its effect on performance in science subjects, determine how students‟ aspired science related careers affect on performance in science subjects, find out the gender differences on achievement in Science subjects in the secondary schools and determine the teachers‟ perception towards students‟ learning of Science subjects and its effect on performance. This study was conceptualized through expectancy-value theory which is a product of social psychological and cultural aspects that influences students‟ motivational behavior. The study employed both descriptive survey and correlational research designs. The population targeted was 4095 boys and girls in form 1-4 in all the 17 secondary schools in Laikipia East District. Probability sampling technique was used in the determination of sample size. The population sample was 216 respondents. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used as the main tools for data collection. For content and face validation, the instruments were presented to a panel of three experts in the area of education management at Kenyatta University. Their comments were incorporated in the final instruments. In the determination of reliability of the instruments, test-retest technique was used. A pilot study was conducted to ensure validity and reliability of the instruments. Data was collected at the appointed days and was subjected to simple descriptive statistics for analysis. These included means, percentages and frequency counts. The analyzed results were presented in summary form using Tables and Figures. The findings showed that: students' perception on Science Subjects was negative with a rating of 2.22 and affected their performance as reported by 64% of teachers. Students had developed career paths they wanted to pursue. Gender differences exist in Science Subjects with boys disposed to male-stereotyped occupations and girls to female-stereotyped occupations. Teachers' perceptions of Science Subjects and teaching methodologies affect students' performance. Based on the findings, Students' characteristics (Perceptions, Career aspirations and Gender) and Teachers' perceptions affect students‟ performance in Science Subjects. The study recommends collaborative teaching and guidance activities in Secondary Schools.