Teacher Achievement Motivation and Students Academic Performance in Science Subjects in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in Ijara Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

Motivation plays a critical role in the success and profitability of an organization, particularly in shaping human capital, which is a company's most valuable asset. This study aimed to examine the relationship between teachers' achievement motivation and students' academic performance in science subjects in secondary schools within Ijara Sub-County. A survey research design was employed to gather primary data that was collected, maintained, and analyzed according to the study's objectives. The research targeted 4 principals, 36 teachers, and 16 students from 4 examination secondary schools in the sub-county, utilizing a census method instead of sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires. Both quantitative and qualitative data analyses were conducted to provide descriptive insights. Additionally, multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the independent variables; working conditions, professional development, safety and security, and availability of instructional materials, and the dependent variable, which was student academic performance. The study's findings indicated that there is a statistically significant relationship between teachers' working conditions and students’ academic performance in science subjects at the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) level in Ijara Sub-County (p-value < 0.01, r = 0.762). Teachers' professional development also showed a moderate influence on students' academic performance in science (p-value > 0.01, r = 0.673). Safety and security had a moderate impact on student academic performance (p-value < 0.01, r = 0.626), while instructional resources for science teaching strongly influenced students' academic performance (p-value < 0.01, r = 0.711). Overall, the study concluded that all independent variables—working conditions, professional development, safety and security, and instructional resources; collectively had a significant influence on students' academic performance in science subjects at the KCSE level in Ijara Sub-County (p-value < 0.01, r = 0.888).