Strengthening of mathematics and science education programme (SMASE) in Kenya: a case of implementation status in public secondary schools in Makueni Sub County

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of availability of teaching resources in implementation of Strengthening of Mathematics and Science Education programme (SMASE) in Public Secondary Schools in Makueni Sub County. The objectives of the study were to; Asses the Level of Adequacy of Science and computer Laboratories for implementation of SMASE and to determine the availability of Science Apparatus for Implementation of SMASE. The study used descriptive survey research design. The target population was 373 and a sample size of 112 comprising of 16 Principals,32 Heads of Department for Science and Mathematics and 64 Science and Mathematics teachers who were selected through both purposive and simple random sampling. Data was collected by use of a questionnaire and was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study established that majority of the principals (56.5%), 75% of the Heads of Departments and 45.3% of Science and Mathematics teachers indicated that science laboratories were inadequate. The results also show that science apparatus were adequate as indicated by 56.3% of Principals and 50% of Science and Mathematics teachers however majority of the Heads of Departments 62.5% indicated that Science apparatus were inadequate while Laboratory reagents were adequate as indicated by 50% of the Principals, 59.4% of the Heads of Departments and 64% of the Science and Mathematics teachers. Science and Mathematics models were inadequate as indicated by 68.8% of the Principals, 56.3% of the Heads of Departments and 45.3% of Science and Mathematics teachers. The study recommended that the government of Kenya should construct adequate science and computer laboratories in all public secondary schools in line with student population to enhance teaching of science subjects.