HOME-BASED FACTORS INFLUENCING PUPILS’ PERFORMANCE IN NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate home-based factors which influence pupils’ performance in national examinations. This study was undertaken in Mwakibagendi schools, Kisii County.In specific, this study was aimed at achieving the following objectives: (1) investigating how parents’ level of education influence pupils’ performance in Mwakibagendi schools, Kisii County; (2)to investigate the level of income of family and its influence on pupils’ performance in national examinations in schools within Mwakibagendi schools, Kisii County; and (3) to establish the marital status of parents’ influence on pupils’ performance in national examinations in schools within Mwakibagendi schools, Kisii County. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. A cross-sectional survey research design was also employed. The study was undertaken in the seven public schools as well as the privately sponsored one. They are: Getionko II, Maagonga, Nyasore SDA, Kiamogore, Nyakome FAM, Gesabakwa DOK and Isanta Primary schools are all government sponsored schools and Gesieka Academy which was privately run.The study population comprised of 8 head teachers, 32 teachers, 40 parents and 400 pupils of standard seven and eight class. Data was collected using the following methods: the drafted questionnaires, observations, discussions through nominal groups and interviews. The findings of this study were as follows: level of education of parents had positive influence on pupils’ performance in Mwakibagendi schools, Kisii County, pupils’ performance was not significantly influenced by level of income of parents and there was no significant relationship between level of parents’ marital status and pupils’ in Mwakibagendi schools, Kisii County. The study gave the following recommendations at the end; that parents should ensure their children went to school always to avoid absenteeism so that learners may go through all teaching and learning experiences since it is these experiences that account for overall good performance. Parents also to reduce absenteeism through provision of basic needs such as balanced diet and clothing (especially uniforms) which are a necessity for the pupils o be allowed to attend and be in school.