TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ........................................................................................................... ii
APPROVAL ................................................................................................................ .iii
DEDICATION .............................................................................................................. iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................ iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................. v
TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................. vi
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................ viii
CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................ 1
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background to the study .......................................................................................... 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem ......................................................................................... 3
1.3 Objectives ofthe Study ............................................................................................ 4
1.5 Significance of the Study ......................................................................................... 5
1.6 Scope of the Study ................................................................................................... 5
1.6 Limitations of the study ........................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER TW0 ........................................................................................................... 6
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE ..................................................................... 6
2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 6
2.2 Teacher length of experience and perlormance of students in sciences .................. 6
2.3 Teacher qualification and achievement of students in sciences .............................. 7
2.4 Teacher's motivation and performance of students in sciences .............................. 8
CHAPTER THREE ....................................................................................................... 9
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .................................................................................. 9
3.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 9
3.2 Research Design ...................................................................................................... 9
3.3 Study Population ...................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Sample Size and Selection ....................................................................................... 9
3.5 Research Instruments ............................................................................................... 9
3.6 Data Processing and Analysis .................................................................................. 9
CHAPTER FOUR ........................................................................................................ 11
DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION ............................................................. 11
4.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................ II
VI
4.1.1 Data analysis and processing .............................................................................. 11
CHAPTER FIVE ......................................................................................................... 17
DISCUSSIONS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .......................... 17
5.0 Introduction ..... : ..................................................................................................... 17
5.2 Discussion .............................................................................................................. 17
5.3 Recommendations .................................................................................................. 20
5.4 Suggestions for further research ............................................................................ 20
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................ 22
APPENDIX I ............................................................................................................... 24
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR TEACHERS ....................................................................... 24
APPENDIX IV ............................................................................................................ 26
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR STUDENTS ....................................................................... 26
.ABSTRACT Considering the contributions of science, and technology to today's world, one would have expected mounting interest in these disciplines, but the reverse seems to be the case. Indeed, there is declining enrolment in science subjects among the youth, and poor performance in examinations, such as those taken in high school science courses (especially physics) by the brave few who enroll. It is ironical that in our pro-science and technologically oriented world, the youth who would take charge of global affairs in the future - the running of industries and the means of production, research laboratories, space technology, and international politics - are shying away from the very subjects that should adequately prepare them for such roles. The study adopted a Descriptive research design. This enhanced the researcher to obtain a better understanding of the causes, problems and factors influencing performance of students in science subjects. It also allowed a collection of comprehensive and intensive data and provided an in-depth understanding of the topic understudy. Data collected was analyzed and edited to create consistency and completeness. After collecting the questionnaires they were edited for completeness and consistency across the respondents and to locate omissions. Data obtained from the research study was presented and analyzed using bar charts, narratives, and statistical figures. The study concluded"that teaching methods did impact on the performance of students in biology therefore they should be selected with care to ensure that they bring the best in the subject. The recommendation of the study was that the schools should ensure that their teachers are well versed with different teaching methods and know where to apply each of them. This report provides suggestions for more effective practice in the field of science teaching. It is designed for policy makers, planners and stakeholders who have responsibilities in the area of science education in Kenya.