INFLUENCE OF TEACHER PEDAGOGICAL COMPETENCIES ON PUPILS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN KENYA

Teachers have important influence on learners’ academic achievement. However, Chepkorio division in Elgeyo Marakwet County has witnessed average results in academic performance in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination. The study target population comprised of 521 teachers and 47 headteachers from Chepkorio Division. A sample size of 42 headteachers and 226 teachers were selected. The data was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively using both descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found out that teachers utilised learner-centred approaches more as compared to teacher-centred ones; print media: textbooks and references books were commonly used as opposed to audio and video media in classrooms. The study recommends that; in-service training should be provided to teachers and head teachers should supervise teachers’ utilisation of various instructional resources in classrooms.