Investigation on Learning Activities and School Environment Factors Influencing Learning Retention in Public Pre-Schools in Belgut Sub-County, Kericho County, Kenya

Sally C. Tanui, Dr.Areba N. George & Dr.Neliah Moige
Kisii University
Email: narebag@gmail.com

Received December 31, 2020; Revised March 29, Accepted March 31, 2020

Abstract: Pre-school education is fundamental in providing foundation for learning. In the recent years, there has been noted decline trend nationally in the transition of learners from Early Years of Education (EYE) to primary schools in Belgut Sub-County as per 2018 published Sub-County Education Office report. This study investigated school-based factors influencing learner retention in public pre-schools. The study specifically sort out to; find out the learning activities influencing learner retention and explore the school environment influence on learner retention in public pre-schools in Belgut Sub- County. The study was anchored on Maslow theory. Descriptive research design was adopted. The study targeted 326 respondents comprising of head teachers and pre-school teachers. Sample size for the study was 95 head teachers and 127 pre-school teachers. Questionnaires were utilized for pre-school teachers and interview schedules for Head-teachers .Observation checklists were also utilized. The study yielded both Quantitative and qualitative data which was analyzed thematically and by use of SPSS version 22. Data was presented by use of figures and tables. The study established that there is need for pre-school learners to enjoy free movement rather than having them confined to one place. Further, the study revealed that the school environment is crucial for learner retention thus need for sufficient pre-schools amenities. The study is significant to stakeholders in positioning themselves to ensure that they maintain retention of learners in pre-school, managers and proprietors of pre-schools in devising better approaches that enable retention of learners and Ministry of Education in crafting better policy framework that clearly stipulate the roles of all the stake holders in Early Years of Education