International Journal of Innovative Research and Development

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of planning of physical facilities on the quality of learning environment provided by secondary schools in Narok North Sub-County. The study used the descriptive survey research design. The target population consisted of one Sub-County Director of Education (SCDE), 23 principals, 345 teachers, and 1150 students from 23 public and private secondary schools in Narok North Sub-County. A random sample of, 100 teachers and 120, form three students was selected for the study. The study sample also included one SCDE and 23 principals who were purposively selected, to give a total of 267 respondents. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires for teachers and Form Three students. An interview schedule was administered to the administrators. The study concentrated on the basic facilities that were used by students and teachers on daily basis that could have a direct impact on the teaching and learning process. The physical facilities included the sanitation facilities classrooms and classroom furniture which included desks and chairs. The study found that there was a statistically significant relation between planning, adequacy and quality of physical facilities of schools. A majority of the school administrators were aware of the existence of government approved building guidelines. However, they did not adhere to them when putting up school buildings. Most of the administrators also observed that there was no enforcement mechanisms in construction of school buildings and no inspection of facilities were carried out by the government. Teachers and students observed that the classrooms had good quality lighting, ventilations to provide a high indoor air quality, while other aspects of the classroom did not meet the standard for inspirational setting for learning. This was because classrooms were inadequate resulting into overcrowding and, without enough furniture. On the issues of sanitation facilities the respondents agreed that the facilities were the most neglected. Based on these findings it is then recommended that government to use qualified building constructors, conduct regular inspection of school facilities to ensure compliance with construction guidelines and therefore ensure provision of adequate quality learning environment. These findings are likely to benefit the ministry of education and the school administrators, in understanding the importance of planning of school physical facilities, in order to provide quality learning environment, hence improve the quality of education. These findings are likely to benefit the ministry of education and the school administrators, in understanding the importance of planning of school physical facilities, in order to provide quality learning environment, hence improve the quality of education.

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