INFLUENCE OF SELECTED SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF BOYS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN WEST POKOT SUB-COUNTY, WEST POKOT COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study sought to investigate the influence of selected socio-cultural factors on academic achievement of boys in public secondary schools in West Pokot Sub-County, Kenya. The research was directed by five research questions namely: What are the selected socio-cultural factors that work against boys’ academic achievement in public secondary schools in West Pokot Sub-County?; How are parents involved in the academic performance of boys in West Pokot Sub-County?; To what extent does gender disparity in education influence the academic performance of boys and girls in public secondary schools in West Pokot SubCounty?; How does child labor influence the academic performance of boys in public secondary schools in West Pokot Sub-County?; What efforts are being made towards improvement of boys’ academic performance in public secondary schools in West Pokot SubCounty? The socio-cultural theory of cognitive development was adopted. A mixed method approach was used where quantitative and qualitative research paradigms were employed. Convergent parallel design was employed. Cross-sectional survey and phenomenology methods were utilized to gather qualitative and quantitative information respectively. The targeted population for this research included principals (48), teachers (600) and students (2100). In total, the target population was 2748. The sample size was principals (14), teachers (240) and students (336) bringing the total sample size to 594 respondents. Yamane’s formula of sample size determination was utilized to get the sample size of students and teachers. To come up with the sample, stratified sampling procedure was utilized to choose the sample of schools and teachers whereas purposive sampling was used to the principals. Questionnaires were utilized to gather quantitative data from the teachers and the students whereas interview guides were utilized to collect qualitative data from the principals. The research instruments were validated through content validity where the content associated technique was utilized to scale the extent the questionnaire items reflected the unique areas considered. The reliability of the questionnaire was acquired by Cronbach Alpha Coefficient Method. Descriptive statistics like frequencies were utilized in summarizing data acquired and it was indicated in distribution tables of pie charts, percentages, and frequency. Qualitative information was classified into themes directed by study questions as well as presented in form of direct quotes and narratives. Ethical consideration was adhered to. From the analysis, cattle rustling, male circumcision, low societal attitude towards education, early marriages and pastoralism affected the academic performance of boys in public secondary schools. Parental involvement in the learning process includes provision of school fees in time, making follow-ups on performance, and provision of revision materials. There is gender disparity in education among boys and girls in public secondary schools in West Pokot Sub County in terms of motivation for learning, class attendance, and attitude. Poverty has forced many boys to engage in labour. The research suggests that there is a requirement for the guidance and counseling to be provided to the boys after circumcision by the parents as well as local leaders and authorities. There is also need for community awareness on the significance of boy child education and education in general in West Pokot Sub-County. The government via the education ministry and other educational stakeholders should strive to provide incentives and initiate new programs within the school so as to encourage attendance among the boys.