Influence of Teacher Pedagogical Competencies on Pupils Academic Performance in Public Primary Schools in Kenya

Abstract

Teachers have important influence on learners’ academic achievement. However, Chepkorio division in Elgeyo Marakwet County has witnessed average results in academic performance in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination. The study target population comprised of 521 teachers and 47 head teachers from Chepkorio Division. A sample size of 42 head teachers and 226 teachers were selected. The data was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively using both descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found out that teachers utilized learner-centered approaches more as compared to teacher-centered ones; print media: textbooks and references books were commonly used as opposed to audio and video media in classrooms. The study recommends that; in-service training should be provided to teachers and head teachers should supervise teachers’ utilization of various instructional resources in classrooms.