International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue XI, November 2022|ISSN 2454-6186

Academic Scaffolding as a Predictor of Achievement Motivation for Learning Chemistry Among Secondary School Students in Kenya

Jasper Isoe¹, Dr. Doyne Mugambi², Dr. Chrispus Koinange Wawire^2
1PhD student, Kenyatta University, Kenya
²Educational Psychology Department, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Abstract: This research was carried to examine academic scaffolding as a predictor of achievement motivation for learning chemistry among secondary school students in Kenya. The study was anchored on scaffolding theory developed by Bruner and achievement motivation theory by McClelland. The researcher used convergent parallel mixed research design to examine the relationship between the study variables. The target population was 10528 form three students taking chemistry in 284 public secondary schools in Kiambu County in the year 2020. Purposive sampling was used to select Kiambu County and form three students taking chemistry. Stratified sampling was used to select the schools while simple random sampling was used to select students to participate in the study. The study was conducted in 17 secondary schools using a sample of 440 students. A pilot study was done in one school involving 40 students to establish the validity and reliability of the research instruments. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview schedules and then analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that there was a moderate positive and statistically significant correlation between academic scaffolding and achievement motivation for learning chemistry, r (336) = .50, p< .05. Academic scaffolding was found to be a significant predictor of academic scaffolding and R square was .25 which suggested that 25% variance in achievement motivation for learning chemistry can be explained by academic scaffolding. Qualitative results also showed that academic scaffolding influenced the student’s achievement motivation for learning chemistry. The study recommends that school counsellors and chemistry teachers should enhance academic scaffolding in order to boost the student’s achievement motivation for learning chemistry for better learning outcomes in the subject.

Key Words: Academic scaffolding, achievement motivation, chemistry

I. BACKGROUND TO THE RESEARCH

Achievement motivation has been considered as an important factor for learning and school achievement. In the absence of sufficient achievement motivation, it’s very unlikely for meaningful learning to take place (Febriana, 2017). The concept was introduced into behavioral science by Murray (1938) and since then, it has become very popular in the study of human behavior especially in educational settings. Achievement motivation for learning chemistry is defined as the desire for learning and attaining quality grades in chemistry (Uno, 2013). It is considered as an important factor in learning and achievement in chemistry. Achievement motivation for

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