Analysis of use of non-projected media resources in the teaching of geography in public secondary schools in Koibatek District, Kenya

Abstract

Geography is one of subjects that can be studied as a physical or social science at high schools Level.In secondary education it is currently an optional subject at upper secondary education. There have been concerns over declining performance in geography at national examination, especially areas that test students’ knowledge of field work, map work and physical geography. Coincidentally these are the areas where non-projected media resources are most used. Yet few Studies done in geography have not adequately examined the non-projected media resources despite their critical role in the teaching of geography. One of the reasons that have been put forward by KNEC (2007) is that students perform poorly in Paper I because of inadequate use of non-projected media resources. This study sought to determine the availability, adequacy and constraints in use of non-projected media resources in teaching of geography in public Secondary schools in Koibatek District. A sample of 70 geography teachers, 35 head teachers and 314 students were sampled using purposive and stratified random sampling. Data Collection was done by use of questionnaires, observation and content analysis. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. The results were then presented in pie charts, graphs and tables. The study established that most schools had non-projected resources, though in a limited supply and were rarely used. However, some schools lacked some important resources such as geography rooms, facilities for field work, weather station and library services .Constraints manating from heavy work load, heavy curriculum and inept administration were found to undermine to effective use of these resources in teaching geography. The study has recommended for an urgent review of curriculum and increased supervision to ensure that the curriculum is fully implemented, and refresher courses be given to teachers on the use of resources