Effects of Internal School Environment on Learners’ Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Khwisero Sub-county Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the effect of internal school environment on learner’s academic performance in secondary schools in Khwisero sub-county Kenya. The researcher sought to investigate factors such as physical facilities, classroom environment, instructional resources and financial resources and their effect on academic performance of secondary school learners. This study utilized descriptive survey research design and was guided by Erick Hanusheks education production function theory which discussed various inputs affecting students learning including physical facilities, instructional material, learners- teacher ratio that affect quality education. The target population was 23 schools in the sub-county out of which 11 schools were sampled. Respondents were 11 principals and 110 secondary school teachers. The study used purposive sampling technique to select the teachers. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that schools the Khwisero Sub-County have inadequate physical facilities. In addition, insufficiency of instructional materials in schools has also been found to greatly influence the academic performance of the students. The class environment was found to influence academic performance as well arranged and ventilated classes were mostly preferred by most teachers and even students. Also, most schools lacked the financial resources to adequately support school projects and in acquiring learning and instructional materials which in the end tend to affect the academic performance of the students. The study recommended that the head teachers should ensure the schools have enough instructional materials as they have the responsibility of procuring the materials for effective teaching and learning and consequently improve academic performance and that classes should also be made equipped with modern furniture so as to make the students comfortable when learning