EFFECTIVENESS OF LEARNER-CENTERED INSTRUCTION ON COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION COMPETENCY IN KISWAHILI LANGUAGE IN JUNIOR SCHOOLS IN NANDI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Learner-centered instruction is a teaching approach that prioritizes the interests, needs, and abilities of the learners. Unlike traditional instructional methods, which are often teacher centered and lecture-based, learner-centered instruction encourages active learning, interaction, and critical thinking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of learner-centered instructional strategies in enhancing the achievement of communication and collaboration skills in Kiswahili language among junior school learners. The study was guided by the following objectives: To establish how teachers implement learner-centered instructional strategies in Kiswahili language classes. To assess the perceptions of teachers and learners on the effectiveness of learner-centered instruction in enhancing communication skills. To determine the extent to which learner-centered instruction influence learners’ collaboration skills. Lastly, to determine the influence of learner-centered instruction on learners’ overall academic performance in Kiswahili language classes. This research is based on the Constructivist Theory postulated by Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky with the main teaching that knowledge is actively created by learners through interaction with their environment. The study used an explanatory sequential mixed-research design. The Study used both probability and non-probability sampling designs. Stratified sampling design was used to samples schools in Nandi north Sub County. Purposive sampling was used in selection of the learners and Teachers of Kiswahili. The sample size was 112 teachers of Kiswahili languages and 390 learners in grades 7, 8 and 9 drawn from public junior schools. The study used questionnaires, observation check list and document analysis guide in data collection. Pilot study was conducted in Mosop sub county. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 29 and excel, quantitative findings were presented in tables and figures. Observations were thematically analyzed and presented in narratives. The study adhered to research ethics. The findings of the study indicated that more than average number of teachers often incorporated group discussions into their lessons. Also, the study found that both teachers and learners had a positive view of learner-centered instructional strategies. Teachers strongly supported the use of group discussions, interactive teaching and learner presentations. Learner-centered instruction significantly enhanced learners' collaboration skills and had a positive effect on their academic performance. The study concluded that although group work and discussions were employed, they were not consistently applied across all lessons, indicating a moderate integration of learner-centered strategies. Additionally, formative assessments are underutilized, yet both teachers and learners strongly support learnercentered strategies; particularly group discussions, interactive teaching, and learner presentations, which they believe enhance engagement, communication skills, and academic performance. The study recommends enhancing professional development programs by incorporating structured retooling sessions. These sessions should aim to equip teachers with practical skills for implementing learner-centered strategies such as formative assessments, differentiation techniques, and collaborative learning models. Retooling efforts should be continuous, context-specific, and responsive to the distinct challenges faced by teachers in both urban and rural school environments.