Factors Affecting the Perfomance of Secretaries in an Organisation

Current Research Journal of Social Sciences 3(2): 59-65, 2011 ISSN: 2041-3246 © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011 Received: November 11, 2010 Accepted: March 08, 2011

Published: March 30, 2011

Influence of Teachers’ and Students’ Attitudes Towards Performance in Shorthand in Technical Training
Silvia Kanyaa Vundi, Joseph W. Nasongo and Eunice Majanga Department of Educational Foundations, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya
Abstract: Scholastic achievement is the goal of any training. The trainee’s attitude to a subject greatly influences the outcome. This study sought to look at the influence of the learner’s attitude towards shorthand subject on one’s performance in the subject by examining the ‘self’ and the ‘significant other’ variables namely subject teachers and course peers. The case study method was used where all the 40 students and 6 teachers in the Secretarial Section of Thika Technical Training Institute, made the study population. The results are a significant basis for effective policy making on shorthand subject in Tertiary Level Institutions in Kenya. Both qualitative and quantitative data was elicited through questionnaires, interview schedules and document analysis. Data was developed by use of the SPSS text editor. The findings indicated that labeling the subject as ‘difficult’ through peer influence had resulted in the ‘self-fulfilling prophesy’ of incapability in the subject. Further, majority find the subject obsolete in today’s technologically automated world of a secretary. The curriculum developers need to review the place of shorthand in the secretarial career today because cultivating a positive self-concept in a subject is not just about the ‘significant others’ influence but also springs from appreciating its normative dimension. Key words: Attitudes, performance, self concept, shorthand INTRODUCTION Most students who enroll in Secretarial Studies at either certificate or diploma levels do not get

References: Downey, M., 1977. Interpersonal Judgments in Education. Harper and Row Ltd., London. Eddy, E.N., 2002. Correlation between the Performance of Students in Shorthand and Typing. Thesis submitted to the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Nigeria. Evans, K.M., 1972. Attitudes and Interest in Eduction. Routledge and Kegan Paul, London. Hamachek, D.E., 1971. Encounters with the Self. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York. Kim, O.Y., 1977. Teachers education and teachers’ attitude towards children and learning. Elementary School J., 78(1): 38-43. Kombo, D.K., 1988. Factors influencing students’ poor performance in KCE examination among Harambee Secondary Schools in Kathiiani Division of Machakos District. Unpublished M.Ed. Thesis, Kenyatta University, Nairobi. Maritim, E.K., 1979. the academic self-concept and the teachers’ perception: Their relationship to pupils’ grade attainment in rural Kenya. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Harvard University, London. McNicol, G., 1967. Teaching Shorthand and Typewriting. 2nd Edn., Pitman Publishing Ltd., London. Muasya, I.W., 1992. students’ self-concept of academic ability and students’ academic performance in four selected secondary school subjects in Kenya. Unpublished M.Ed. Thesis, Kenyatta University, Nairobi. Nash, R., 1976. Teacher’s Expectations and Pupil Learning. Routledge and Kegan Paul, London. Njoroge, R.J. and G.A. Bennars, 1992. Philosophy of Education in Africa: An Introductory Text for Students of Education. General Printers, Nairobi. C C C Shorthand students have a positive attitude towards the subject although their performance in exams was poor. Labeling the subject as difficult has influenced the students negatively towards the subject hence greatly contributing to continued poor performance in the subject. Teachers have immensely contributed to developing a positive attitude in the learners towards the subject by believing in their potential. Older students taking the secretarial studies course have played a great role in influencing new learners negatively towards shorthand. Poor performance in shorthand can be attributed to students believe that shorthand is not necessary for their career progression. 64 Curr. Res. J. Soc. Sci., 3(2): 59-65, 2011 Orton, A., 1987. Learning Mathematics: Issues, Theory and Classroom Practice. Cassel Educational Ltd., London. Osborne, J., 2003. Attitudes towards science: A review of the literature and its implications. Int. J. Sci. Edu., 25(9): 1049-1079. Reitzes, D.C. and E. Mutran, 1980. Significant others and self-conceptions: Factors influencing educational expectations and academic performance. Sociol. Edu., 53(1): 21-32. Simpson, R.D. and J.S. Oliver, 1990. A summary of the major influences on attitude toward and achievement in science among adolescent students. Sci. Edu., 74: 1-18. Summers, G.F., 1964. Attitude Measurement. L Rand McNally and Co. Illinois, Chicago. Wawire, V., 1996. Perceptions of students and teachers on the impact of streaming on student’s self-image of academic performance: A case of Chebuyusi High School. Unpublished Thesis, Kenyatta University, Nairobi. 65