Occupational factors that influence demand for bachelor of education degree among non-graduate teachers in Trans nzoia county, Kenya.

Abstract

There is rapid expansion of higher education the world over precipitated by factors of demand and supply leading to various innovations in programmes and mode of study. A new trend has emerged where a wide scope of working professionals, including teachers are undertaking continuing education. To teach at primary level in Kenya, a Primary 1 (P1) certificate is the minimum requirement. However, a significant number of teachers at this level either hold or are pursuing a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree. As of December, 2016, of the 4,406 teachers in public primary schools in Trans-Nzoia County, 896 possessed a B.Ed. degree. Despite their higher qualifications that have raised the unit cost of education, there is concern over the quality of education at primary level where the mean mark in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) has consistently remained below the average mark of 250 out of the possible 500 for over 10 years. The purpose of this study was todetermine occupational factors that influence demand for B.Ed. degree among non-graduate teachers in public primary schools in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya. The findings indicate that personal attributes, occupational, institutional and socio-economic factors all account for the surge in demand for B.Ed. degree although economic factors signal demand most. The study also found that teacher qualifications have minimal positive effect on learner academic performance. The findings will help policy makers and educational planners plan for relevant, efficient, effective, equitable and quality education. The findings will also serve as reference material for future researchers in a related field of study