The Relationship between Students' Perception of the Classroom-Learning Environment and Self-Concept in Secondary Schools in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between students' perception of the classroom learning environment and self-concept in secondary schools in Taita-Taveta County. The study employed a correlation research design with a target population of 2311 student in the 40 public secondary schools in Taita-Taveta County. A random sample of 260 students was involved. Two questionnaires were used for data collection and were validated through expert judgment whereas the reliability of the instruments was established through Cronbach's Alpha coefficient, where coefficients of α 0.913 and α 0.965 were obtained. Data was analysed using percentages, means and Pearson's correlation co-efficiency(r) at p = 0.05. Correlation analysis revealed that there was a statistically significant relationship between students' perceptions on the classroom learning environment and self-concept. The finding implied that providing a quality classroom learning environment may improve the learners' academic performance and consequently their stay in schools.