Students’ Attitude towards Home Science Subject in Selected Secondary Schools: A Case of Elgeyo Marakwet County

Abstract

Upon entry into an institution of learning, students would come with the willingness and enthusiasm to learn. A learner with a sincere interest and zeal in a given subject has a tendency of being motivated towards studying that particular subject. This is because a students’ attitude is a key component of learning and where there is a negative attitude, it is most certain that no learning would take place, therefore, there will be no acquisition of any new knowledge or skill. Among other factors, the environment under which learning takes place may contribute towards a positive or a negative attitude in the learner’s mind. This study sought to establish students’ attitude towards Home Science subject and its effects on enrolment in selected secondary schools in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Descriptive survey design was adopted, and purposive sampling technique was used to select all the six county secondary schools offering Home Science subject. This study comprised a sample of 178 respondents (116 Home Science students, 50 students who had dropped Home Science subject, 6 Home Science teachers and 6 principals of the sampled schools). Data was collected by use of questionnaires and interview schedule. They were then analyzed descriptively and presented using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation distribution tables, and charts. This study established that students had a positive attitude towards Home Science subject and there was a positive correlation to enrolment. Also, this study found out that students had been introduced well to the subject while in form one. Based on the findings of this study, students’ positive attitude should be reinforced by offering the necessary learning resources and more practicals especially in Clothing and Textiles which will positively impact on the learners’ confidence in handling them thus increasing enrolment