Title: Effect of class size on girls' academic performance in Science, Mathematics and Technology subjects

Authors: Lydia M. Musau; Joash A. Migosi

Addresses: University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya ' Department of Education, Administration and Planning, South Eastern Kenya University, P.O. Box 170, 90200 – Kitui, Kenya

Abstract: There has been unsatisfactory academic performance in Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMT) subjects especially among girls over the years. The strategy of free basic education which aims at attaining education for all goals has led to enrolment of more girls in school resulting to overcrowded classrooms, limited resources and decreased quality of education. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of class size on girls' performance in SMT subjects. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and document analysis. Ex-post-facto research design was adopted. Six girls' secondary schools were purposively selected. The study comprised six head teachers, 30 SMT teachers and 416 girls. Data was presented in charts and tables and analysed using mean scores, percentages, correlation and regression coefficients. The study found that students in small class sizes performed better than those in large classes. Interposition strategies were proposed to improve girls' performance in SMT subjects.

Keywords: class size; girls; academic performance; science education; mathematics education; technology education; SMT education; female students; gender; secondary schools; secondary education; Kenya.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEED.2013.056013

International Journal of Education Economics and Development, 2013 Vol.4 No.3, pp.285 - 295

Received: 05 Dec 2012
Accepted: 13 May 2013
Published online: 10 May 2014 *

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