ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS INFLUENCING ACHIEVEMENT OF BASIC READING LITERACY IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NYERI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

This study was aimed at assessing the factors influencing achievement of basic reading literacy outcomes in public primary schools in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study was guided by five research questions generated from literature review. These questions were; to what extent is implementation of teaching and learning of literacy influencing achievement of basic reading literacy in public primary schools in Nyeri County? Which factors in the home environment of the pupils are influencing achievement of basic reading literacy in public primary schools in Nyeri County? To what extent are students’ characteristics influencing achievement of basic reading literacy in public primary schools in Nyeri County? What challenges are influencing achievement of basic reading literacy in public primary schools in Nyeri County? How can reading literacy levels in public primary schools in Nyeri County be improved? The study adopted Cross-sectional survey design. Head teachers, teachers and class six pupils comprised the target population. Multi stage probability sampling technique was used to select the participants. The first stage involved random selection of 39 public primary schools from each of the six constituencies in Nyeri County and the second stage involved random selection of participants within the selected schools. From a representative sample of 39 public primary schools in Nyeri County, a sample of 156 pupils, 78 teachers and 39 head teachers was selected. Questionnaires, checklist, and a reading test were used to collect data. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of Statistical Package for Social Science version 20. Among the study findings was that implementation of teaching and learning of literacy influence achievement of basic reading literacy to a moderate extent. Factors in the pupils’ home environment that influence achievement of basic reading literacy include social economic status, parental educational level, educational resources at home and adequate reading literacy activities at home. Students’ characteristics influence achievement of basic reading literacy to a small extent. Challenges influencing achievement of basic reading literacy include inadequate teaching and learning resources, lack of parental guidance and support and pupils’ lack of motivation. Ways of improving basic reading literacy levels in public primary schools in Nyeri County include increasing the number and variety of teaching and learning resources, establishment and equipment of school libraries and motivating pupils to learn.