Influence of Games on Academics Across Gender: A Case of Rongo Sub County Secondary Schools, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to establish the influence of participation in games on academic achievement across gender in secondary schools in Rongo Sub-County. The study adopted descriptive survey and correlation designs. The study population included 50 head teachers, 50 games teachers and 2000 Form Four students. The sample size was as follows: 350 form four students participating in games, 175 boys and target population. 175 girls which was 33% of the Face validity of the instruments was determined by three experts in the department from Rongo University. Test-retest method was used to establish the reliability of the instruments which was found to be 0.89 An independent t-test was performed to compare the academic achievement of girls and boys participating in games. The study found out that there was no significant difference in academic achievement among girls and boys participating in games (t 348) =0.752, p=0.453) moreover, the differences in academic achievement is however independent of the sex of the students. Girls who participate in games are likely to achieve just as much as boys who participate in games. The study concluded that Secondary schools need not discriminate on gender while participating in any games programs. The study recommended that all students should be encouraged to participate in games irrespective of their gender. The researcher paid keen attention to research ethical issues and got the informed consent of the respondents and guarded against plagiarism and ensured confidentiality.