Factors influencing academic performance of pupils in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Examination in Migwani District, Kitui County

Abstract

This study investigated factors influencing academic performance of pupils in KCPE in Migwani District. The study sought to determine and describe factors that influence academic performance in KCPE and low transition rate of pupils from primary to secondary school. The study was guided by the extent to which availability of teaching/learning resource influence academic performance of pupils in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Examination, whether teaching methodology influences academic performance of pupils in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Examination, the extent to which time management by pupils influence academic performance of pupils in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Examination, the extent to which school leadership influences academic performance of pupils in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Examination, the extent to which parental involvement in child's performance influences academic performance of pupils in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Examination, the extent to which discipline influences academic performance of pupils in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Examination.
 
 The study was conducted using ex post facto design and data was collected in May and June 2011 using questionnaire and document analysis form 18 head teachers, 78 teachers and 400 pupils randomly selected from the accessible population. Data was analyzed using chisquare test of goodness of fit and percentage distribution technique. The study found out that there is inadequate teaching / learning resources, teachers were overloaded and teaching large class size, pupils were not using their time effectively, teachers were not motivated and not attaining their set target, parents neglected performance of their children and there were many indiscipline cases in the schools. 
 
 The study concluded that inadequate teaching / learning resources, ineffective teaching methodology, poor time management, ineffective school leadership, parental neglect on their child performance and indiscipline of pupils influences poor performance of KCPE. The study recommends that government to employ more teachers' and provide teaching / learning resources, teachers guide pupils on use of timetable, head teachers motivate teaching staff and ensure that they attend in-service courses, parents and teachers to ensure that indiscipline cases are minimized, teachers to complete syllabus in good time among others.