The Influence of Self-Confidence on the Academic Performance of Pupils with Hearing Impairment in Special Primary Schools in Kenya

Confidence is belief or assurance in the correctness of an idea, theory or course of action toward success. Self-confidence refers to an individual’s opinion of him/ herself. It is a conviction that one can achieve his/ her goals. Self-confidence has significant influence on the academic performance of pupils. Pupils that have high self-confidence have a positive and realistic perception of themselves. They can easily deal with relationships and tasks while remaining upbeat and forceful. Self-confidence is fueled by success which in return boosts belief in one’s skills, ability to face challenges. Studies indicate that pupils with HI do academically perform poorly as compared to regular learners. Despite the findings, few studies have focused on the influence of self-confidence on academic performance among pupils with HI in special primary schools. This study examined the influence of self-confidence on the academic performance of learners with hearing impairment in special primary schools in Kisii, Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine the influence of self-confidence on the academic performance of learners with hearing impairment in special primary schools in Kenya. The study also sought to establish the role of teacher on the influence of self-confidence on the academic performance of pupils with HI. The study used a quantitative correlational research design. The target population for this study comprised of 81 class seven pupils with HI, 20 Parents, 26 class seven teachers, 4 head teachers, 4 Curriculum Support Officers. The study was guided by Bandura’s self-efficacy theory (1977). The regression coefficient revealed that self-confidence had a coefficient of 0.875 which implies that a unit change in self-confidence would influence up to 0.875 (87.5%) of the academic performance of the pupils with HI. This is an indication that self-confidence has a strong influence on the academic performance of pupils with HI in special primary schools in Kisii County. The positive and significant interaction term (β3=0.25) suggests that teacher role impacts positively on pupils with HI self-confidence for academic success. The study recommends that parents and teachers should be optimistic and develop an attitude that fosters self-confidence among students for enhanced academic performance.

hearing impairment, self-confidence, pupil, academic performance

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