FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PERFORMANCE OF TRAINEES IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PROGRAMMES IN NATIONAL POLYTECHNICS IN KENYA: A CASE OF SELECTED NATIONAL POLYTECHNICS

Abstract

Despite previous efforts by various stakeholders, the performance in electrical engineering programmes in Kenyan national polytechnics is still poor. The purpose of this study was to determine factors that influenced the performance of trainees in electrical engineering programs in National Polytechnics in Kenya. The objectives of this study were to: determine the influence of instructional methods, assess the influence of trainer experience, determine the influence of trainee to trainer ratio and find out the influence of trainee attitude on the performance of trainees enrolled in electrical engineering programs in National Polytechnics in Kenya. The General Systems Theory introduced by Bertalanffy, (1968) formed the basis of this thesis. The research targeted all trainers and trainees in electrical engineering departments from national polytechnics in Kenya. This study sampled 35 trainers and 140 trainees drawn from two national polytechnics. The research used a descriptive survey design. Two sets of questionnaire were used. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28 was used in analyzing the data. The relationship between the variables and performance was calculated using Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient R. The findings of this study revealed that instructional methods, trainer experience, trainee to trainer ratio and trainee attitude influenced performance. In conclusion, this study pointed out the need for skilled trainers to engage various pedagogical skills during their training. Moreover, they should motivate learners and put into consideration trainee to trainer ratio as a factor influencing performance. Based on these findings, this study recommended the continuous capacity building of trainers in national polytechnics and strengthening of institutional memory by retaining experienced staff. The government also needs to review the TVET Act to enable institutions to admit students on the basis of trainee to trainer ratio. This study suggested the need for similar research to be undertaken in different counties and also from a gender perspective.