Influence of the Principals’ Decision Making Skills on Students’ Academic Outcome in Public Teacher Training Colleges in Nyanza Region, Kenya

Yambo, John M. Onyango
Department of Educational Administration Planning and Economics
Kisii University Kenya
Email: yambojm@kisiiuniversity.ac.ke

Abstract: Teacher training college principals’ administrative skills involves authority and responsibility in terms of deciding the way ahead and being held responsible for the success or failure of achieving the set objectives. The success or failure of principals can be judged on their leadership qualities. In a constantly changing social, economic, and technological environment, leadership is a more important attribute of management today than before. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of the Principals decision making skills on students’ academic outcome in public teachers training colleges in Nyanza Region, Kenya. The researcher used purposive sampling to select principals and BOM chairpersons while 30 Percent to select tutors and student leaders. Validity was done by using suggestions from supervisors before setting out to collect data. Reliability was done by using test re- test methods which yielded alpha of 0.67. Researcher used Questionnaires and interview schedules for data collection. Data was analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistical and inferential techniques using the Statistical packages of social sciences (SPSS) version 21. The researcher adhered to regulations and ethical considerations. The study found out that the principal decision making skill contributed to 63 percent of students’ academic performance in public teachers training colleges in Nyanza Region. The study recommends that all principals must be well trained on decision making skill. The study recommended that all principals should periodically attend more decision making seminars in the region.