Abstract:
Teachers play a key role in any form of schooling. On the other hand, instruction time is a core component of
effective schooling. The purpose of this study was to investigate teacher related factors influencing use of
programmed instruction time in secondary schools in Machakos County. The study employed descriptive
survey research design. Random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 177 teachers. A
questionnaire for teachers was the main research instrument. Quantitative data obtained was analysed using
Statistical Analysis Software – STATA 11 while qualitative data was analyzed by use of themes as per the
objectives. Content analysis based on themes was employed for open-ended questions whilethe hypothesis was
tested at.05 levelof significance. The findings of the study revealed that teacher related factors influencing use
of programmed instruction time in secondary schools include teachers’ attitude towards their work, teacher
motivation, teacher remuneration, teacher absenteeism, and access to adequate teaching and learning
resources. The study recommends that the government should increase funding to the education sector to
facilitate recruitment of more teachers, it should improve their remuneration and hence their motivation as
well as facilitate access to teaching and learning resources and materials. The study is of benefit to the
Ministry of Education and school administrators towards improving use of programmed instruction time in
public secondary schools.
