Teacher Qualification as a Determinant of Enrolment in Home Science Subject: A Case of Elgeyo Marakwet County
Abstract
Studies globally have shown that several factors affect student enrolment in a given subject. This study sought to identify how teacher qualification affects students’ enrolment in Home Science subject in selected secondary schools in Elgeyo Marakwet County (EMC). This study adopted the descriptive survey design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select all the six (6) county secondary schools offering the Home Science subject up to form four and six (6) Home Science teachers. Data was collected by use of questionnaires that were self-administered to the Home Science teachers then analyzed descriptively. The results were presented using frequency and percentage distribution table and a chart. The study established that majority (83.3%) of the teachers had attained formal training and were qualified to teach Home Science subject. On the experience of Home Science teachers, the study established that 50% of them had taught between 0 and 5 years. Findings from this study further revealed that the presence of qualified and experienced teachers played a critical role in the teaching and learning of Home Science in secondary schools. This is because they positively influenced students’ performance and enrolment in the Home Science subject. Based on the findings of this study, secondary schools should employ trained and qualified, and retain experienced teachers because they positively affect performance and enrolment of students.
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