Examining the Interplay of the Teacher and School Social Capital in Influencing Students' Educational Aspirations

Authors

  • Beth Kirigo Mwai Moi University Author
  • John Chang'ach Moi University Author
  • Emmy Kipsoi Moi University Author

Keywords:

Social capital, Students' educational aspirations, Interplay

Abstract

 

The study investigated the educational aspirations formation process of day secondary school students and how this relates to their educational access, achievement, transition and progression. The objective of the study was to examine the school social capital and how it determines the educational aspirations of the students. The teacher and school social capital and their role in developing and shaping educational aspirations of day secondary school students was the focus. The question to be answered was “how does the day secondary school social capital determine the educational aspirations of the students?” Grounded theory research design was adopted. Qualitative data gathering and data analysis techniques were used. Three (3) day secondary school teachers in one day secondary school were purposively sampled. Document analysis and face-to-face interviews were the tools of data collection. The study found that, day secondary school students had low educational aspirations because the school social capital had not been able to help them form high educational aspirations. The study found that social capital development for secondary schools was not formally structured and the teachers had not been able to harness social networks and interactions that would impact positively on the students. The study recommended creating policies that support programs for day secondary schools and those that enhance social capital formation and accumulation for teachers.  This could go a long way in bridging the educational aspiration gaps for the students. The study concludes that social capital development is a critical strategy that could facilitate the formation of high educational aspiration for day secondary school students.

 

Author Biographies

  • Beth Kirigo Mwai, Moi University

     

    Dr. Beth Mwai is a tutorial fellow at the department of Educational Foundations at Moi University. She holds a PhD and a Masters degree in Sociology of Education. She has research interests in comparative education and social justice. Her expertise lies in sociology of education and social capital development. She has published in peer-reviewed journals on topics related to sociology of education. She is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She has taught and examined numerous undergraduate students.

  • John Chang'ach , Moi University

    Prof. John Changach is Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Research and Student Affairs at Alupe University, Kenya. He is a highly respected scholar and his work has made a significant contributions in the field of education. His research interests are centred on History of Education, Educational Policy and Planning, Teacher Education, and Social History of Kenya. He has authored and co-authored numerous articles and books on his areas of expertise. Some of his notable publications include: "The Impact of Colonial Education on Kenyan Society: A Historical Analysis"; "Teacher Education in Kenya: Challenges and Opportunities", "The Development of Higher Education in Kenya: A Critical Review", "The Role of History in Understanding Contemporary Social Issues". Prof. Changach is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He has supervised numerous graduate students and his students have gone on to successful careers in education and academia.

  • Emmy Kipsoi, Moi University

    Prof. Emmy Kipsoi is a leading figure in the field of education in Kenya. She has made significant contribution to educational research, gender studies, and leadership. Prof. Kipsoi has published extensively in various refereed journals and presented her research findings at international conferences. Her research interests encompass diverse areas such as: Gender equity in education, Instructional leadership styles, Gender and Education, Educational Leadership and Management, Higher Education Policy and Governance, Access to Quality Education, Equity and Inclusion in Education and Teacher recruitment and development. She is a dedicated teacher and mentor and she has supervised numerous graduate students.

Published

29-12-2023

How to Cite

Examining the Interplay of the Teacher and School Social Capital in Influencing Students’ Educational Aspirations. (2023). The Educator: A Journal of the School of Education, Moi University, 3(1), 189-202. https://journals.mu.ac.ke/index.php/edj/article/view/325

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