INFLUENCE OF TEACHERS’ TRAINING ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF LEARNERS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN RONGO SUB-COUNTY KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the study: To investigate the influence of teachers training on academic performance of learners with visual impairment in public primary schools in Rongo Sub County Migori County Kenya. The study was based on Bandura (1968) Social Cognitive Theory of learning which outlines the process of learning as a result of the surrounding environment. The objective of the study was to establish the influence of teacher training on academic performance of visually impaired learners in Rongo Sub-county.
Methodology. The study employed descriptive survey design. The study population included 29 head teachers of public primary schools with integrated program of which 25 participated, 40 Special Needs Education (SNE) teachers of which 36 participated and5 Curriculum Support Officers (CSOs) giving a total of 74 respondents. Purposive and Saturated sampling techniques were used to get a sample size of 29 Head teachers, 40 SNE teachers and 5 CSOs. To establish reliability of research instruments, a pilot study was carried out on 4 SNE teachers, 3 head teachers and 1 CSO in Uriri sub- County. Using test- retest technique, a reliability index of 0.79 and 0.81 was attained for teachers’ and head teachers’ questionnaires respectively. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequencies, percentages and means and Inferential statistics of Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Chi square. Qualitative data was analyzed based on emerging themes generated from the study objectives. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Frequency and percentage tables were used to present collected data.
Results: The study established that there was significant relationship between teacher training, and academic performance all at p <0.05. Therefore the null hypotheses was rejected and it was concluded that teacher training affect academic performance in Integrated Primary Schools in Rongo Sub – County.
Recommendation: It was recommended that teacher training should be regular through in service to help teachers in handling visually impaired learners and update their skills and knowledge in handling visually impaired leaners to improve on their academic performance.
Keywords: Teacher Training, Academic Performance, Visually Impaired Learner
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