International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VII, July 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Secondary School Experiences: Methods Used in Teaching History and Government

John Wenje Nyongesa

School of Education, Moi University, Eldoret, P.O Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya

Abstract: – Methods of teaching can be explained as a way of causing a learner to acquire knowledge or a skill as well as imparting of necessary incidental information to achieve certain desired goalsthe teacher in this case has to plan instructional activities that will ensure learning has to take place. The purpose of the study was to identify methods used by teachers in the teaching of History and Government at secondary school in Webuye Division, Bungoma County, Kenya. The study was modeled by Systems theory developed by the Biologist, Ludwig von Bertalanffy. The study was carried out in selected secondary schools in Webuye Division, Bungoma County. Questionnaireswere used as tools for collecting data which was analyzed quantitatively. The study found that, teachers in Webuye Division, Bungoma County regularly used methods like, lecture, discussion and question and answer while field trip was less often used. The study recommends that Learner-centered methods of teaching History and government like field trips, role play, dramatization, and project should be encouraged in secondary Education.

Key Terms: Secondary, Experiences Methods, Teaching History, Government

I. INTRODUCTION

History and Government is an important discipline in the secondary school curriculum because it plays a key role in the development of society.Knowledge of the past is critical to the understanding of the present and to planning for the future. Therefore, the right methods should be used in teaching and learning of the subject (Langat, 2014). Mburu,(1999) views instructional methods as models of delivery system or teaching and learning strategies employed in an educational process with a view of facilitating the attainment of the set goals or objective. Mburu (ibid) contends that instructional methods are important variables in effective teaching. Teachers use a variety of teaching approaches and techniques in their daily practice. There is need for use of methods which are student centered and involve more learner participation. As Langat (2014) above observes, an appropriate method should be used in History and Government instruction every time