Perception of Students and Staff on Determinants of Performance in Science Laboratory Technology in Institutes of Technology in Southern Nyanza Region, Kenya

Abstract

Science Laboratory Technology training is considered pivotal to Kenya’s economy, as it is increasingly seen as a vehicle through which the country will build a competitive workforce for key industries within priority sectors identified in Vision 2030. The objective of this article was to find out the contribution of library facilities on performance of students in Science Laboratory Technology in Institutes of Technology in Institutes of Technology in South Nyanza, Kenya. Despite the importance of Science Laboratory Technology, students’ performance in Institutes of Technology in South Nyanza, Kenya has been below expectations. For the period between 2006-2010, cumulative performance in Science Laboratory Technology course in Kenya National Examinations has been; Distinction 0 (0%), Credit 15 (2.63%); Pass 61 (10.63%); Referred 219 (38.29%); and 277 (48.45%) failed. This dismal performance has led to growing concern among stakeholders. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires, interview schedules, document analysis and observation. A conceptual framework was used to guide the study on factors that determine performance in Science Laboratory Technology. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The study population consisted of 240 students undergoing the Science Laboratory Technology course, 26 lecturers, 3 Librarians and 3 Principals. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 120 students and 18 lecturers while saturated sampling technique was used to select the 3 Principals, 3 librarians and 3 laboratory assistants. It is hoped that this article will provide a basis for future research in the education sector particularly the Institutes of Technology. The Ministry of Higher Education Science and Technology may also use this study to re-evaluate the criteria for student admission into the course Science Laboratory Technology.