FACTORS INFLUENCING ENROLMENT AND RETENTION OF STUDENTS IN PHYSICS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IMENTI SOUTH SUB-COUNTY KENYA
Loading...
Date
2016
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Despite the place of physics in science, technology and national development, the
number of students taking physics as their choice in secondary schools is declining. The
purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing enrolment and retention of
students in physics classes in secondary schools in Imenti South Sub-County of Meru
County. The study was based on achievement motivation theory. The study adopted
descriptive survey research design. The target population was 14,097 subjects
comprising of 13,943 students and 154 physics teachers in secondary schools in Imenti
South Sub-County. Simple random sampling technique was adopted to select students
and physics teachers from the population in Imenti south Sub-county. The sample size
was 364 respondents comprising of 356 students and 8 physics teachers. Data was
collected by use of three questionnaires, for the form two students, form three students
and the other for the physics teachers. Piloting was carried out in two secondary schools
in the neighbouring Imenti North Sub-county where 42 students and 4 physics teachers
participated. Spearman Brown formulae was used to estimate the reliability co-efficient
of the instruments. The reliability coefficient of 0.851 and 0.957 for students and
teachers questionnaire respectively was obtained. The research instruments were
validated with the help of supervisors. The data collected was cleaned, coded and entered
into the computer for analysis. Statistical Package for Social Science version18 was used
for data analysis. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the findings
presented using tables, graphs and charts. The study established factors influencing
enrolment and retention in physics include; lack of adequate teaching and learning
apparatus, poor performance in physics, teaching methods used in practical lessons,
playing with electrical gadget and making models during early childhood, naming
constants and principles after male scientists. The research findings will provide
important information to policy makers and other stake holders in the Ministry of
Education on the influence of available teaching and learning physics resources in
schools in regard to enrolment and choice of physics. The study will provide information
to physics teachers on the influence of the methodologies used in teaching physics on
selection of physics by the students. This may help physics teachers to know which
intervention measures to take while teaching in order to improve student’s enrolment in
physics. The study is of significance to the students because it enlightens them on the
importance and the benefits of studying physics. The study also will sensitize the parents
on the importance of physics and their role in exposing children to experiences that
demonstrate physics knowledge during childhood. This will help in improving enrolment
and retention of students in physics in secondary schools.