Journal of Advances in Education and Philosophy (JAEP)
Volume-2 | Issue-03 | 105-110
Original Research Article
Influence of Divorce on Student's Academic Achievement in Public Secondary Schools in Nyandarua Central Sub- County, Kenya
Joyce N. Gakure, Dr. Mbera Peter G. Aiko,
Published : June 30, 2018
Abstract
Academic performance in Nyandarua Central sub-county has been dwindling
for more than a decade now with no tangible cause got so far. Several educationists
have been unable to unearth what ails it, mainly targeting teaching methods and
improving them through Strengthening mathematics and science Education initiative,
(SMASE), with no improvement and have left it to persist, prompting the locals to feel
obliged to search for solutions to their problem. This study therefore sought to establish
the influence of divorce on student's academic achievement in public secondary schools
in Nyandarua Central sub- county, Kenya. The study was governed by Joyce Epstein’s
theory of parental involvement in children’s academic achievement. The study used
mixed methodology and concurrent triangulation design in data collection and analysis,
by first clustering the twenty schools into day and boarding schools which have unique
manifestation of extraneous causes and of non-performance in academics. The target
population was secondary school students in public schools in this sub county are
12,800 of whom those that experience conflict at home number 4,661 and 960 parents
and 600 teachers out of whom the sample was 270 students, 180 teachers and 240
parents. Data on performance was collected from progressive performance records of
end tem examinations, while information on family conflict was gathered using
questionnaires for students, teachers and parents and interview schedules for clarity and
to increase response rate by busy respondents. Validity was done by the expert in the
department and research. Reliability of the instruments was done by piloting and test retest administered Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha of 0.73 was realized. Quantitative data
was analyzed descriptively by graphs, percentages, frequencies. The packages for social
sciences (SPSS 22), whereas qualitative data was analyzed thematically, it was
presented in narrative form. The results of this research showed an existence very high
percentage 60% of administers agreed family set up influences academic achievement.
The mean number of siblings of the respondents was 8.49 with a standard deviation of
1.37 siblings. A cumulative percentage of 91.0% of the respondents had up to 4
siblings. This implies most families have at most 6 members. The study concluded that
the strong parental involvement is essential for educational progress and success.
Consent of the respondets was sought. Based on the findings of the study the study
recommended that: the society should strengthen family unit to reduce conflicts that
pose challenges to pupil’s academic efforts. Parents should closely follow up children’s
schools routines and coordinate with teachers, healthy dialogue, motivate and advice
children on studies.