Instructional Resources, Methodology and Teacher Preparedness in Learning Physical Geography in Wajir County, Kenya

Samson Kipchirchir – Moi University, Kenya, and William Kebenei – University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, Kenya.
Corresponding author: bettsamson2@gmail.com

Received February 20, 2019; Revised March 15, 2019; Accepted March 17, 2019

Abstract: This study sought to investigate Challenges in teaching and learning physical geography in selected public secondary schools in Wajir County, Kenya. It has been noted over time that students’ performance in Physical Geography has been declining in relation to Human Geography. This, therefore, prompted a study to be carried out so as to establish the major challenges in teaching and learning of physical geography in Wajir County. The research aimed at investigating the availability and utilization of resources and facilities used in teaching physical geography, teachers’ preparedness and effectiveness of instructional methods used to teach physical geography. The study was guided by the Social Cognitive Theory of Albert Bandura, which advocates that students learn through observation. The study utilized descriptive survey research design. The quantitative approach used self-administered questionnaires, which were directed to secondary school students taking Geography. Purposive sampling was used to select 21 form three students. The study found out that the instructional resources and facilities for teaching/learning physical geography are available but underutilized. The students’ lack of motivation in physical geography was associated with inadequate number of teachers of geography in schools. Students’ attitudes affect performance of physical geography in Wajir County. From the study, it was concluded that students could perform well in physical geography if these variables are addressed. The study recommends that: the number of geography teachers in Wajir County should be increased; Geography teachers to attend in-service training and Students’ attitude towards geography should be improved through activities like field trips and use of motivational speakers about the benefits of geography.