MEM Theses and Dissertations (2023)

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    Influence of teacher competence on development of English language skills among learners in public ECDE Centres, Isiolo Sub-County
    (Strathmore University, 2023) Versity, B.
    Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) has been recognized as a holistic and integrated education that meets a child’s cognitive, socio moral, spiritual, emotional, physical, and developmental needs. The current study was triggered by the poor literacy skills indicated by underperformance in English language skills among the ECDE learners in Isiolo County. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of teacher competence on the English language skills development among preschoolers in public ECDE centers in Isiolo Sub-County. The study scope was on teacher training, teacher professional development and teacher use of instructional methodology in class. The study was guided by Krashen’s Theory and Monitor Model for Language Acquisition. Descriptive survey design was then used as the research design for the study. The study targeted all registered public ECDE centers in the Sub- County whose enrollment is 12,135 in the 28 centers. The sample size included 118 stakeholders comprising of the following categories the head teachers, the teachers, the managerial part of CSOs and QASOs. Then, from each category, simple random sampling design was used to select sampling units. Thus, the researcher selected 28 public ECDE centres (representing 30% of population) using simple random design. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used in collecting data for the study. The questionnaires were administered to all the head teachers and teachers of the sampled centers while interview schedules were used to collect data from the County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer. Participant observation was used to collect data from the preschoolers’ interactions. The researcher consulted with the supervisor who validated and helped enhance the value and the contents of the research instruments. Piloting of the research instruments was also conducted prior to the actual data collection to determine the reliability of the tools using test-re-test method and Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient. The quantitative data collected was processed and analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Statistics (SPSS). Data was presented in form of frequency distribution tables and graphs. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically with quotations and verbatim presentations. The study found that teacher recruitment and qualifications influence effectiveness in English language skills development among preschoolers. The elements of in-service training, professional courses were key in professional development. The study showed that class educational methodologies influence effectiveness in English language skills development in ECDE centres in Isiolo county. The study limitations were related to logistics in covering the study area as most of the ECDE centres are hardly accessible. However, the study was successfully undertaken, and attributed to earlier logistical planning and effective pilot study.
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    Relationship between student mental health and academic achievement in secondary schools in Samburu County, Kenya
    (Strathmore University, 2023) Musau, P. K.
    Samburu County’s land disputes, interethnic violence, cattle rustling, human-wildlife conflict, chronic food insecurity, gender-based violence, marginalization, poverty, and retrogressive cultural practices affect the residents negatively. As a result, the mental well-being of the county’s youth, especially those in secondary school, suffers. This study sought to establish the relation between academic achievement and student mental health in secondary schools in Samburu County. The researcher utilized ecological systems and cognitive theory for this study. The study utilized mainly positivist philosophical position. The population of the study included twenty principals and fifty-two guidance and counselling teachers from secondary schools within Samburu County. The researcher obtained both quantitative and qualitative data by utilizing a questionnaire and an interview guide. Qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis. The study also employed descriptive analysis utilizing measures of central tendency. Additionally, inferential statistics were utilized to demonstrate the relationship between the independent variable of mental health and the dependent variable of academic achievement. A correlation analysis was performed to determine the strength of the relationship. The results of the study revealed presence of anxiety disorders and depression among the students in the schools, which influenced their academic achievement. The severity of depression symptoms was found to be directly proportional to the extent of academic underperformance among the students. The study also shed light on the prevalence of social connection disorders among the students, which were found to have a significant impact on academic achievement. Moreover, the study found that self-esteem issues among the students were also prevalent and had a significant influence on their academic achievement. The study recommends that schools should promote positive peer relationships and encourage students to build supportive social networks. Schools should also initiate mental health screening programs to identify students who may require additional support.
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    Teachers’ perception of the implementation of an education curriculum- a case of the International Baccalaureate programme
    (Strathmore University, 2023) Wanjala, F. T.
    The process of changing an education curriculum is complicated and dependent on well-designed plans that are supported by both monetary and non-monetary factors. Teachers are key stakeholders who are involved in curriculum implementation and therefore their perception of the curriculum as well as the implementation process plays a significant part in determining its success. M-Pesa Foundation Academy and Nairobi Academy introduced the International Baccalaureate programme having been offering the Kenyan 8-4-4 curriculum and the British National Curriculum respectively. The schools simply transitioned both their teachers and students to the International Baccalaureate programme. The purpose of this study was threefold, first to determine the perception that teachers have of the International Baccalaureate programme and the reform process, secondly, to establish the factors that led to the formation of these perceptions, and lastly, to find out the support levels that are available for facilitation of the process of the IB curriculum implementation. The anchoring of the study was done on three theories, they are; the theory of symbolic interactionism, the theory of self-determination, and the functionalism theory. The study used convergent mixed methods research design and an inductive approach. Data collection was carried out by using semi-structured questionnaires and interview schedules. Analysis was based on both inferential and descriptive techniques for quantitative data, while qualitative data was thematically analysed. It was established that teachers had a positive perception of the IB curriculum in general. The factors influencing their perceptions were found to be; time and resource investment in the curriculum implementation process, interaction with stakeholders, length of involvement in teaching, and the school environment. It is concluded that teachers, in general, appreciated the International Baccalaureate curriculum and were willing to implement it fully, provided the schools give them the necessary support. The study recommends that schools should consider the perceptions of teachers and that a thorough induction be given to them before a new curriculum is implemented