Influence of Working Environment of Mathematics Teachers on Students’ Academic Performance in Mathematics in Kenya. A Study across Public Secondary Schools in Suba South Sub-County
Authors
Faculty of Education, Tom Mboya University (Kenya)
Faculty of Education, Tom Mboya University (Kenya)
Article Information
DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91200180
Subject Category: Education
Volume/Issue: 9/12 | Page No: 2362-2375
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2025-12-21
Accepted: 2025-12-28
Published: 2026-01-06
Abstract
Mathematics is a core subject in the primary and secondary School curriculum and is essential in the lives of people in society. Mathematics sharpens human mind, develops their logical thinking; enhances their reasoning ability and build spatial power. However, the Kenya Certificate of Secondary School Education (KCSE) examination mean score for Mathematics in Suba South Sub-County had been below average with 3.034 in 2019, 3.52 in 2020, 4.25 in 2021 and 4.258 in 2022. This necessitated the current investigation whose objective was to establish the influence of Working Environment of Mathematics Teachers on Students’ Academic Performance in Mathematics in Kenya. The study was guided by a conceptual framework that consisted of showed the influence of selected factors and learners’ performance in Mathematics and consisted of the independent variable, working environment of mathematics teachers, dependent variable, students’ academic achievement in mathematics as signified by students performance in KCSE mean score. The study was anchored on the theory of performance by Elger (2007). The findings of this study revealed that mathematics teacher working environment influenced students’ academic performance moderately as was indicated by a mean rating of 3.33. This finding concurred with qualitative findings. The study concluded that mathematics teachers’ working environment moderately influenced students’ academic achievement in mathematics. The study recommended that the school administrators should provide a conducive working environment by ensuring that teachers are housed appropriately, interpersonal relationships are promoted and appropriate community participation in learning activities encouraged besides enhancement of student entry behavior, management style of heads of departments and principals leadership styles.
Keywords
Influence, Working Environment, Mathematics Teachers, Students’ Academic Performance, Mathematics, Kenya. Public Secondary Schools, Suba South Sub-County
Downloads
References
1. Abhilasha, M., Ahmed, S., & Singh, N. V. (2022). Impact of Teachers’ Attitude On Students’ Mathematics Achievement in Meitei Pangal Community of Manipur. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(9), 4713-4725. https://doi.org/10.69739/jelm.v2i2.900 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
2. Adamu, U., & Rabiu, U. (2020). Relationship between Entry grades in Mathematics and Financial Accounting and Performance of Business Education Students in Colleges of Education in North-East, Nigeria. Unpublished Master’s Thesis Ahmadubello University. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
3. https://kubanni.abu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/10341 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
4. Akiri, A. A. (2013). Effects of teachers’ effectiveness on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools; Delta State-Nigeria. Journal of Educational and social Research, 3(3), 105-111. https://doi.org/10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n3p105 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
5. Akungu, J. A. (2014). Influence of teaching and learning resources on students’ performance in Kenya certificate of secondary education in free day secondary education in Embakasi district, Kenya. Doctoral dissertation, University of Nairobi. http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/79367 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
6. Allen, N., Grigsby, B., & Peters, M. L. (2015). Does leadership matter? Examining the relationship among transformational leadership, school climate, and student achievement. International Journal of Educational Leadership Preparation, 10(2), 1-22. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1083099 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
7. Al-Omari, K., & Okasheh, H. (2017). The influence of work environment on job performance: A case study of engineering company in Jordan. International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, 12(24), 15544-15550. https://www.ripublication.com/ijaer17/ijaerv12n24-223 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
8. Appiah, J. B., Korkor, S., Arthur, Y. D., & Obeng, B. A. (2022). Mathematics Achievement in High Schools, the Role of the Teacher-Student Relationship, Students' Self-Efficacy, and Students' Perception of Mathematics. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 17(3). https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/12056. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
9. Ates, A. (2021). The Relationship between Parental Involvement in Education and Academic Achievement: A Meta-Analysis Study. Pegem Journal of Education and Instruction, 11(3), 50-66. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7582-6243; DOI:10.14527/pegego.2021.00 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
10. Awan, A. G., & Tahir, M. T. (2015). Impact of working environment on employee’s productivity: A case study of Banks and Insurance Companies in Pakistan. European Journal of Business and Management, 7(1), 329-345. https://doi:10.26487/hjbs.v2i2.336 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
11. Aziz, F., & Kazi, A. S. (2019). Role of teachers in students’ classroom participation in universities. International Journal of Educational Enquiry and Reflection, 4(1), 46-57. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
12. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/33071257 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
13. Back, Y., Jung, J. & Kim, B. (2008). What makes teachers use technology in the classroom? Exploring the factors affecting facilitation of technology with a Korean sample. Computer & education, 50,224-234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2006.05.002. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
14. Bahtilla, M. (2017). The Impact of School Environment on Teachers job Satisfaction in Secondary Schools European Journal of Education Studies, 2021 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
15. Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: towards a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological review, 84(2), 191.https://www.researchgate.net/profile/mohammed-Bijandi [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
16. Cheng (2016). Teaching Mathematics with Computer Programming Can Help Narrow Achievement Gap.Edsource.https://edusource.org/2016/teaching-math-with-computer-progamming-can-help-narrow-achievement:gap/563371. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
17. Danya M. C., Ekmekci, A., & Parr, R. (2018). The Effects of the School-Work Environment on Mathematics Teachers’ Motivation for Teaching: A Self-Determination Theoretical Perspective. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 43(6). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
18. https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2018v43n6.4. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
19. Elger, D. (2007). Theory of Performance. Faculty Guide Book: https://www.facultyguidebook.com [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
20. Ephrem, S.M., & Celestin, N. (2023). The influence of school factors on students' Mathematics performance in Gicumbi District, Rwanda. Journal of Research in Innovation and Implication in Education, 7(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.34293/education.v7i4.624. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
21. Germain, S., & De Dieu, D. J. Effect of Teaching and Learning Resources on Students’ Academic Performance at Selected Schools Kagogo Sector, Burera District/Rlyanda. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 8(3), ISSN No. 2456-2165. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
22. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssm3205040. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
23. Gubbins, V., & Otero, G. (2016). Effect of the parental involvement style perceived by elementary school students at home on Language and Mathematics performance in Chilean schools. Educational Studies, 42(2), 121-136. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03055698.2016.1148586. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
24. Hanushek, E. A., Kain, J. F., & Rivkin, S. G. (2004). Why public schools lose teachers. Journal of Human Resources, 39(2), 326-354. https://doi.org/10.2307/3559017 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
25. Hanushek, E. A., & Woessmann, L. (2017). School resources and student achievement: A review of cross-country economic research. Cognitive abilities and educational outcomes: A festschrift in honour of jan-eric gustafsson, 149-171. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-43473-5_8.149 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
26. Hernandez-Martinez, P. & Vos, P. (2018). Why do I have to learn this? A case study on students’ experiences of the relevance of the mathematical modelling activities. ZDM, 50, 245-257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-017-0904-2 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
27. Ikegbusi, N.G., Manafa, F. U. &Iheanacho, R. C. (2021). Influence of school environment on the academic performance of secondary school students in Lagos state. Journal of Educational Research and Development, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acresq [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
28. Ikenga, N.C. & Ogbaga, E. (2021). Influence of working relationship between principals and teachers on students’ activities in secondary schools in Awgu Education zone of Enugu state. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-36-08. https://doi.org/10.7176/JEP/12-36-08. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
29. Luketero, S. W., & Kangangi, E. W. (2019). The factors influencing students’ academic performance in Kenya Certificate of secondary education in Kirinyaga Central sub-county, Kirinyaga County, Kenya. International Journal of Innovation Education and Research, 7(4), 1-11. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
30. https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.v0l7.iss4.1143. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
31. Marcus G. O. (2018). Effect of Work Environment on Teacher Commitment to Duty in Selected Secondary Schools of South Eastern Nigeria. Enobun-Nwidi Patience Enyiamaka2 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
32. Mawarire, C., & Chirume, S. (2020). Teaching and Learning Resources and their Influence on Poor Performance in Ordinary Level Mathematics in Glenview-Mufakose District of Harare, Zimbabwe. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Studies, 2(3), 94-101. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
33. https://al-kindipublisher.com/index.php/jhsss/article/view/259 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
34. Ministry of Education Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2019. A Policy Framework for Reforming Education and Training for Sustainable Development in Kenya: Towards Realizing Quality, Relevant and Inclusive Education and Training for Sustainable Development. Nairobi, Government Printer. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
35. Mkomele, K. L. (2015). Teachers perception on critical thinking in secondary school in Tanzania: A case study of Mjimwema Ward. Dissertation, 10-86. http://repository.out.ac.tz/id/eprint/1304 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
36. Mshelia, H. J., & Emmanuel, O. (2021). Leadership Styles and Their Applications for Effective School Administration. International Journal of Scientific and Management Research, 5(2), 56-63. http://doi.org/10.37502/IJSMR.2022.5204 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
37. Msofe, G., Koda, G., & Wambiya, P. (2021). Effectiveness of Teaching and Learning Materials in Large Class Size to Enhance Students’ Academic Performance in Arumeru District, Tanzania. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 10(10). https://doi.org/10.24940/ijird/2021/v10/i10/OCT2 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
38. Mugenda, O.M., & Mugenda, A.G. (2003). Research Methods: Quantitative & Qualitative approaches (Vol. 2, No. 2). Acts Press. https://doi.org/10.2023/jcbs.v5i1.148 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
39. Mugyenyi, E., Asiimwe, S., & Apiku, C. (2023). Relationship between school working environment and teachers' motivation in private secondary schools of Wakiso district. Uganda. 9(2). https://10.9734/jesbs/2025/v38i41407. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
40. Ndambo, S.M., Maithya. P., & Mwaura, K. (2021). Effects of teaching work load on teacher performance in public secondary schools in Kitui County, Kenya. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development. https://doi.org/10.24940/ijird/2021/v10/i8/AUG 21013. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
41. Ndolo, M. A. (2016). Influence of free secondary education policy access, transition and student academic performance in Mbita and Suba sub-counties, Kenya. Doctoral dissertation, Maseno University. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
42. Ndolo, M. A., Simatwa, E. M., & Ayodo, T. M. (2016). Impact of Free Secondary Education Policy on Primary to Secondary School Education in Kenya. A Case Study of Mbita and Suba Sub-Counties. Doctoral dissertation, Maseno University. http://doi.org/10.15580/GJER.2016.2.032816070. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
43. Nduga, W. (2019). Teaching, learning resources and students’ performance in mathematics: a case study of selected secondary schools in Pallisa District. Doctoral dissertation, Kampala International University. Ir.kiu.ac.ug/bitstream/20.500.12306/2339/nduga%20Wilson. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
44. Ngulube, P. (2015). Qualitative data analysis and interpretation: systematic search for meaning. Addressing research challenges: making headway for developing researchers, 131, 156. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219649220500161 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
45. Nuwaha, W., Atukunda, G., & Kyayemagye, F. (2023). The Relationship between Workload and Teachers Effectiveness in Secondary Schools: A Case of Uganda. East African Journal of Education Studies, 6(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajes.6.1.1035. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
46. Nyirahabimana, A. (2019). Instructional resources and learner’s academic performance: a case study of boarding school’s Muhanga District. International Journal of Social Science, Humanities and Education, 3(3), 1-16. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
47. Ochungo. O.E., Ndolo M.A, & Simatwa E.M.W. (2021) Influence of Students Factors on Performance in Biology in Public Secondary Schools in Kenya: An Empirical Study across Secondary Schools in Ndhiwa Sub-County. International Journal of Current Research. (ISSN: 0975-833X) Vol. 13, Issue, (10):19148-19158. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
48. Ochungo. O.E., Simatwa E.M.W & Ndolo M.A, (2021) Influence of School Factors on Students’ Performance in Biology in Public Secondary Schools in Kenya: A case Study of Ndhiwa Sub-County. International Journal of Current Research. (ISSN: 0975-833X) Vol. 13, Issue (10): 19159-19171. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
49. Odumbe A.G., Simatwa E.M.W., Ayodo T.M.O. (2015). Factors Influencing Student Academic Performance in Day-Secondary Schools in Kenya. A Case Study of Migori Sub county. Greener Journal of Educational Research (ISSN: 2276-7789 ICV: 6.05) Vol. 5 (3): 078-097. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
50. Ogari, J. O. (2021). Welfare practices and teachers’ performance in private primary schools in Bomet County, Kenya. Doctoral Dissertation, Kenyatta University. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
51. http://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/22835 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
52. Siachifuwe, M. (2017). Teacher based factors influencing academic performance among learners in open learning classes at Twin Palm Secondary School, Lusaka, Zambia. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education 4(12), 96-101. http://dx.doi.org/10.20431/2349-0381.0412012. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
53. Simatwa E. M.W. & Odoyo, D.O (2025). Relationship between Teacher Identified Regulation, Teacher Introjected regulation, Teacher External Regulation and Student Academic performance in Kenya: A study across Secondary Schools in Gem Sub County. International Journal of Current Science Research and Review ISSN: 2581-8341 Vol. 08 (07): 3438-3453. DOI: 10.47191/ijcsrr/V8-i7-32, Impact Factor: 8.048. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
54. Simatwa, E. M. W., Khajeha, H., & Baraza, O. T. (2019). Influence of students' entry behavior on academic achievement in National polytechnics in Kenya. A case study across engineering courses. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24941/ijcr.35709.06.2019. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
55. Sirengo, J. L. (2015). School factors as correlates of secondary students’ achievement in mathematics in Bungoma County, Kenya. Internal Journal of Educational Investigation. ISSN: 2410-3446.27. http://ereposity.kibu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1199. http://kerd.ku.ac.ke/123456789/1042 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
56. Smith, C. (2020). Leadership and Management in Learning Organizations. University of Windsor OER, ACE: Adopt, Create, Extend Open Educational Resource Grant eCampus Ontario. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
57. Sosu, E. M., & Pheunpha, P. (2019). Trajectory of university dropout: Investigating the cumulative effect of academic vulnerability and proximity to family support. In Frontiers in Education (Vol. 4, p. 6). Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2019.0006 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
58. Stronge, J. (2010). Effective teacher = Student achievement: What the research says. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315854977. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
59. Suleiman, A. H. (2023). Factors That Affect Students’ Academic Achievement in the Faculty of Social Science at the University of Bosaso, Garowe, Somalia. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 11(2), 446-461.https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2023.112029 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
60. Tang, T. T., & Tran, D. H.T. (2023). Parental influence on high school students’ mathematics performance in Vietnam. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 19(4), em2249.https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/13068 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
61. Taylor, N. & Robinson, N. (2019). Secondary schools in Sub Sahara Africa Teacher preparation and Support. Literature Review, JET, Education Services. https://doi.org/10.15868/socialsector.36805 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
62. Umuhoza, C., & Uworwabayeho, A. (2021). Teacher’s Use of Instructional Materials in Teaching and Learning Mathematics in Rwandan Primary Schools. African Journal of Teacher Education, 10(2), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.21083/ajote.v10i2.6659. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
63. UNESCO, (2008). Challenges of implementing free day secondary schools in Kenya: Experience from Districts. Nairobi, KE: UNESCO. https://10.26859/sae/2022.08.001 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
64. Uwitonze, S., & Andala, H. O. (2024). Effect of Teacher Attitude towards Teaching on Students’ Performance in Mathematics Subject in Public Day Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A case of Huye District. African Journal of Empirical Research, 5(4), 761-771. https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.5.4.63. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
65. Waseka, E. L., & Simatwa, E. M.W. (2016). Student factors influencing academic performance of students in secondary education in Kenya: A case study of Kakamega County. Educational Research, 7(3), 072-087. http://dx.doi.org/10.14303/er.2016.138. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
66. Yang, X., Yan, M., Ruan, Y., Ku, S.Y., Lo, J. C. M., Peng, P. & McBride, C. (2021). Relations among phonological processing skills and mathematics in children. A meta-analysis, Journal of Education Psychology, Advance online Publication 10(1037). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
67. Wilson, J. H. & Joye, S.W. (2016). Research methods and statistics: An integrated approach. Sage [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
68. Zhang, Y. (2018). The associations between parental involvement and science achievement via children's perceived academic competence and academic effort. Dissetatation-ALL.894, Syracuse University. https://surface.syr.edu/etd/894 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Metrics
Views & Downloads
Similar Articles
- Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
- Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
- “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
- Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
- Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study