Browsing by Author "Gakuu, Christopher"

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    Curriculum resources and academic performance of distance learning students in selected Kenyan public universities
    (IISTE, 2018) Wambua, Rebecca; Gakuu, Christopher; Kidombo, Harriet; Ndege, Speranza
    Distance learning is a mode of study which involves the separation of the lecturer from the student in space, time or both. The mode of study is increasingly being adopted globally due to development in technology, its flexibility and the benefits which accrue to individuals and the society as a result of investment in education. Academic performance of distance learning students has been of interest to scholars. Findings in developed countries have been consistent, however in Kenya, they have been inconsistent. This study sought to establish the extent to which curriculum resources influence academic performance of distance learning students in selected Kenyan public universities. The study is based on pragmatism due to its focus on objectivity and use of scientific methods. Mixed methods of research were used. The sample consisted of 847 Bachelor of Education (Arts) distance learning students, 149 lecturers teaching distance learning students and 2 administrators in charge of distance learning programmes. The research instruments consisted of questionnaires, interview guides, document analysis and the instrument for measuring academic performance. The findings indicated that curriculum resources, significantly and positively influence academic performance of distance learning students. The study recommends that effort should be geared towards enhancing accessibility and the use of online curriculum resources by distance learning students.
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    Learner support system and academic performance of distance learning students in selected Kenyan public universities
    (University of Pretoria, 2019) Wambua, Rebecca Mwikali; Gakuu, Christopher; Kidombo, Harriet; Ndege, Speranza
    Distance learning is a mode of study globally accepted as a tool for enhancing access, equity and quality in education. The Kenyan Government has put in place mechanisms to promote open and distance learning practices in educational institutions. However, there is doubt in Kenya, regarding the quality of academic performance attained by distance learning students. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of learner support systems on the academic performance of distance learning students in selected Kenyan public universities. The study is based on Pragmatism due to its focus on objectivity and the use of scientific methods. Mixed-methods research methodology was adopted for the study. The sample consisted of 847 Bachelor of Education (Arts) distance learning students, 149 lecturers teaching distance learning students, and two (2) administrators in charge of distance learning programmes. The research instruments consisted of questionnaires, interview guides, document analysis and the instrument for measuring academic performance. The findings indicated that a learner support system statistically, significantly and positively influences academic performance of distance learning students, although at a low level (4.9%). However, the findings revealed that guidance and counselling support, which is part of the learner support system, did not significantly influence the academic performance of distance learning students. The study recommends that particular focus should be on the provision of remotely accessible guidance and counselling services since most distance learning students cannot physically access the services which are on campuses.
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    Learners’ self efficacy and academic performance of distance learning students in selected Kenyan public universities
    (IISTE, 2018) Wambua, Rebecca; Gakuu, Christopher; Kidombo, Harriet; Ndege, Speranza
    Academic performance of distance learning students has been of concern to researchers. Several researches done since 1920s in developed countries have revealed that there is no significant difference in performance between distance learning students and conventional students. In Kenya, however, the result findings have been inconsistent. The objective of this study was to establish the moderating influence of learners’ self efficacy on the relationship between institutional factors and academic performance of distance learning students. The study is based on pragmatism due to its focus on objectivity and use of scientific methods. Mixed methods of research were used. The target population consisted of 847 Bachelor of Education (Arts) distance learning students, 149 lecturers teaching distance learning students and 2 administrators in charge of distance learning programmes. The research instruments consisted of questionnaires, interview guides, document analysis and the instrument for measuring academic performance. The findings indicated that the moderating influence of learners’ self efficacy on the relationship between institutional factors and academic performance was statistically significant.