Influence of Principals’ Monitoring and Evaluation of Instruction on Students’ Performance: A Case Study of Secondary Education in Londiani Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Students’ academic performance in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in Londiani Sub-County has been low for the last four years. This has denied many students an opportunity to further their studies and realize their academic dreams. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of principals’ monitoring and evaluation of instruction on performance of students. The study sought to find out; class teachers’ perceptions on the influence of monitoring and evaluation of instruction on performance of students, students’ perceptions on the influence of monitoring and evaluation of instruction on performance of students among secondary schools in Londiani Sub-County. The study was guided by the Van Bertanlaffy’s general system theory. The study employed mixed methods approach and adopted survey research design. A target population of 20 principals, 55 class teachers and 1080 form four students were targeted for the study from which a sample of 19 principals, 48 class teachers and 284 form four students were drawn. Data was collected from students and class teachers using questionnaires while qualitative data was drawn from principals using an interview schedule. The instruments’ reliability was determined by piloting in 10% percent of the secondary schools, its data analyzed using a reliable Cronbach’s coefficient alpha of 0.76. The validity of the research instruments was established using from expert opinion of the supervisor. Quantitative data was collected, analyzed and presented on tables while qualitative data has been discussed thematically. The study found out that monitoring and evaluation enhances performance for teachers, enables the principal to identify their weakness and strengths thus enhancing their professional development, and enhances provision of insights into the students learning needs thus enabling teachers to develop effective teaching approaches that enhances students’ comprehension and engagement. The study recommends that students are monitored by keeping a record of their academic progress, monitoring class attendance and supervising issuance and crosschecking of assignments given to learners to improve academic performance