PERCEIVED CAUSES OF STUDENTS’ LOW ENROLMENT IN PHYSICS IN CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MERU SOUTH SUBCOUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Physics is an important science domain that enables learners to develop analytical skills neccessary for problem solving in technical fields. Physics content is relevant to all learners irrespective of the careers in which they become established since it provides information and skills that propel ingenuity. However there is a global decline in enrolment and graduation rate in Physics at all levels. This study sought to establish the causes of low students’ enrolment in Physics in secondary schools in Meru south subcounty. The objective of the study was to establish students’ and teachers’ perceptions on causes of low students’ enrolment in Physics. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The sample consisted of 10 co-educational day secondary schools obtained through simple random sampling. The research instruments consisted of two questionnaires (A and B). The questionnaires consisted of 15 items on selected factors that could likely cause students’ low enrolment and students / teachers perceptions on the state of students’ enrolment rated on a likert scale. The pearson product moment coefficient was performed to ascertain the reliability of the questionnaire. A reliability of 0.74 was obtained and the questionnaires adapted. Collected data was analysed using SPSS software version 22. Descriptive statistics and Correlation analysis (pearson product moment correlation coefficient) were used to establish the nature and magnitude of association between study variables. Correlation test was done at 0.05 level of significance. The study established that some topics in the form two syllabus were too abstract to the students while teachers expressed difficulty in explaining certain concepts. The study revealed a strong positive correlation between school factors and students’ enrolment in Physics. The study recommended training more female teachers in the field of science and inservicing of teachers on the absract topics was recommended. Further, complex topics in form two to be moved to the form three syllabus to allow learners to mature. Keywords: Physics, Students enrolment, Coeducational school, Perception.