Relationship between goal setting and learners’ perceptions of school academic environments

Abstract

The core mandate of educational institutions is to offer quality education to learners. As such academic goals are set to guide teaching and learning processes which is expected to take place in a conducive school environment. This study explored the relationship between goal setting and learners’ perceptions of their school academic environments. The study sampled 12 public day secondary schools in Kisii Central sub- county, Kisii County, Kenya. The study adopted cross sectional survey and collected data from 12 principals and 336 students using interview schedules and structured questionnaires respectively. Data were analysed using means and chi square. The study established a statistically significant association between goal setting and learners’ perceptions of school environment X2(4) =. 13.281,P=.010.The study concluded that goal setting important as it is helps learners’ to focus on learning thus influencing their perceptions of school environments.