INFLUENCE OF SELECTED FACTORS ON EFFECTIVE COVERAGE OF KENYA CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION BIOLOGY SYLLABUS IN RONGAI SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The need for effective coverage of secondary school syllabi is crucial in Kenya and the world at large. This study sought to determine effective coverage of KCSE Biology syllabus in secondary schools in Rongai Sub County. The study objectives include to determine the influence of student related factors, teacher related factors, availability of instructional resources and Time management on effective coverage of KCSE Biology syllabus in Secondary Schools in Rongai Sub-County, Kenya. The study was grounded on curriculum implementation theory and espoused correlational design. The study was conducted in Nakuru Rongai Sub-County secondary schools. The target population of this study encompassed 151 Biology teachers, 60 principals and 120 form four class secretaries. Census method was used to sample Biology teachers and class secretaries while purposive sampling technique was used to sample head teachers. In this study, content validation of the questionnaire was determined by research supervisors from Kabarak University who read the content, look at the items and ensured that they reflect the actual content area. This study used test retest method of determining reliability of research instrument. The instruments were piloted in Ndongeri Mixed secondary, Upper hill mixed and Njoro day secondary school. Data was obtained using a questionnaire and an interview schedule. Data was first analyzed using descriptive statistics while Pearson Correlation coefficient was run to determine the existence and significance of the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Also, Regression statistics was used to determine the influence of independent variables on dependent variable. Equally, interview data was analyzed systematically by organizing the responses into themes which was then presented in prose form. Hypothesis was tested at 0.05 alpha level. Data was then presented in form of pie charts and tables. The findings revealed that student related factors significantly influence effective coverage of Biology syllabus (β = 0.290; p<0.05). Similarly, teacher related factors significantly influence on effective Coverage of Biology Syllabus (β = 0.390; p<0.05). Furthermore, availability of instructional resources significantly influences effective coverage of Biology Syllabus (β = 0.44; p<0.05). Finally, time management influence negatively effective coverage of Biology Syllabus (β = -0.14.8; p>0.05). The study concludes that students’ perception towards Biology, students’ participation in class especially in extra research on topics learnt influence effective syllabus coverage. Moreover, teacher transfers and negative perception towards some topics influence effective syllabus coverage. Besides, availability of science laboratory equipped with reagents and materials, adequate textbooks and physical classrooms influence effective syllabus coverage. Finally, it was noted that adequate time allocated in the timetable for teaching influence significantly effective syllabus coverage. It is herein recommended that Teacher transfers should be managed appropriately in order to improve effective coverage of Biology Syllabus. Inservice training of teachers as well as adequate equipping with new technologies, pedagogical techniques and appropriate instructional resources should be underscored in order to achieve effective coverage of Biology syllabus. Finally, school management should emphasize on strategies geared towards management of instructional time in order to boost effective coverage of KCSE Biology Syllabus.