Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies: Home

Article Title: The Impact of Head Teachers' Administrative Factors on Performance in Secondary School Science Subjects in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya
by Ambogo Mabel Mudulia

Abstract:
The study sought to determine how secondary school head teachers' administrative factors influence performance in the science subjects in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya. Stratified random sampling was used to draw a sample of 14 head teachers, 56 teachers and 308 Form Three students. Stratification was based on the schools' performance in KCSE science subjects for the period 2001-2005 to obtain 7 schools in the low performing schools and 7 schools from the high performing schools. The purpose of the study was to establish if leadership factors (leadership styles, supervision, decision-making and delegation were among factors that influence performance in science subjects. The study was significant as performance in science subjects in Eldoret Municipality has been poor for a long time, hence the need to find out the causes. Data was collected using three questionnaires administered to the head teachers, teachers and students. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse and summarise the data. T-test was used to test for significant differences between means of low performing and high performing schools. Correlation was used to show relationships between performance and the research variables. Majority of the head teachers were found to be fully qualified, experienced and practicing participative leadership. However, a few in the low performing schools were reported to employ dictatorial leadership styles. The effect of the leadership style was not as significant predictor of performance in sciences at KCSE as the correlation between leadership and performance was not very significant. It was recommended that there should be more and frequent in-servicing of both head teachers and teachers on ways of inspiring and enhancing the teaching/learning of science. The study should help Quality Assurance and Standard Officers in advising heads of schools and teachers on leadership styles and teaching methods respectively to improve performance, not only in sciences, but also in all the other subjects. Importance of the study to scholars, readers and the general public lies in the fact that science is the foundation of industrial, technological and economic development. Hence the need for awareness of factors that affect performance in science, including leadership qualities and characteristics, in order to prevent or find means of alleviating poor performance.

Keywords: impact, head teachers' administrative, factors, performance, secondary school science subjects, Eldoret municipality, Kenya.

Download full paper