School factors influencing strengthening of mathematics and science education programme implementation in public secondary schools in Makueni sub county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine school factors influencing implementation of Strengthening of Mathematics and Science Education programme in Public Secondary Schools in Makueni Sub County. The objectives of the study sought to; establish the influence of availability of teaching resources, influence of teachers’ attitude, influence of teacher training and influence of Principals training on implementation of Strengthening of Mathematics and Science Education programme in Public Secondary Schools in Makueni Sub County. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The target population was 44 Principals, 88 HODs for Science and Mathematics and 241 Science and Mathematics teachers in public secondary schools in Makueni Sub County. A sample of 16 Principals,32 Heads of Department for Science and Mathematics and 64 Science and Mathematics teachers were selected through both purposive and simple random sampling. Data was collected by use of a questionnaire and was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Quantitative data was presented using frequency distribution tables, pie charts and bar graphs. Qualitative data was categorized in themes in accordance with research objectives and presented in narrative form. The study established that majority of the respondents, the Principals, Heads of Departments and Science and Mathematics teachers indicated that science laboratories, computer laboratories, science and mathematics models and real objects were inadequate.. Science apparatus were adequate as indicated by 56.3% of Principals and 50% of Science and Mathematics teachers however majority of the Heads of Departments 62.5% indicated that Science apparatus were inadequate. Laboratory reagents were adequate as indicated by most respondents, 50% of the Principals, 59.4% of the Heads of Departments and 64% of the Science and Mathematics teachers. Majority of the respondents 81.3% of the Principals, 81.3% of the Heads of Department and 87.5% of the Science and Mathematics teachers indicated teachers had positive attitude towards implementation of Strengthening of Mathematics and Science Education programme. The Principals indicated that, 31% of all teachers have attended Strengthening of Mathematics and Science Education programme training. Majority of the Principals 62% indicated that they had attended Strengthening of Mathematics and Science Education programme training. The study recommended among others that the BOM and principal should ensure that laboratories are equipped with chemicals and reagents to enhance teaching of science subjects.