Influence of Selected Home Environmental Factors on Pupils’ Academic Performance in Public Primary Schools, Kenya

Home environment is important for learning and development of children. Despite the fact that home environment is critical to the academic performance of learners, little has been documented concerning the home environmental aspects that are under study. The purpose of the study was to explore the influence of selected home environmental factors on pupils’ academic performance in Kisii South Sub- County, Kenya. Objectives of the study were to: determine the influence of home caregivers on pupils’ academic performance; determine the influence of parental academic supervision on pupils’ academic performance and to assess the influence of sleeping environment on pupils’ in Kisii South Sub-County, Kenya. The study used Albert Bandura’s social cognitive learning theory. A descriptive research design was employed in the study. The study population was 2204 parents, 2610 class eight pupils and 58 head teachers. Simple random sampling technique was used to get sample size. The sample constituted 331 parents, 338 class eight pupils and 52 head teachers. Data was collected using self- administered questionnaires. Validity of research instruments was ascertained through expert judgment of the University supervisors. Reliability of the instruments was ensured by test-retest method. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviations and percentages with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. The study found that some caregivers discussed with children on academic progress at school and talked of things that happen at school trying to find out what children liked doing while at school. Most of the parents had a great influence on children’s study habits at home and could also discuss with their children on their academic progress. It was also found that sleeping environment encourages good academic performance based on the comfortability and security of the sleeping room. It was recommended that parents should engage educated caregivers at home to help them participate effectively on the academic activities of their children. A study on socio-demographic factors influencing parental participation in education of the learners would expound the understanding of the current study.