ABSTRACT

This research was based on the Teacher-pupil relationship and academic performance of students in [oytown Primary school for the physically handicapped. Thika District. Kenya. Its objectives were o (i) Identify practices teachers engaged in which would have a positive or negative influence on the earning process (ii) Identify the efforts that are put in place to enhance learners' self-worth and dignity. (iii) Examine the degree of motivation among the learners. It is firmly grounded on the (enyan’s need to provide holistic, quality education and training that promotes the cognitive, psychomotor and effective domains of learners. The research employed a simple survey design and data was collected using a simple uestionnaire which was presented in paper format. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. ‘he study population was made up of teachers of Joytown Primary school for the physically andicapped. The sample population constituted all the twenty teachers in the school, sixteen of ihom were females and four males. Their age bracket was between 25-50 years. They are holders f either a diploma or a degree in special needs education. he findings of the study revealed that teachers embarrass their learners in front of others; they [so spend very little time socializing with pupils and compare slow learners with others who ~rform better. Teachers use the terms “lazy”, “slow”, “poor” and “naughty” when referring to arners. It also revealed that not all teachers adopt individualized teaching approach and some )andon weak learners along the way to catch up with the syllabus. There are inadequate visual ds and text books in the school. The conclusion was that in the presence of all these shortfalls, ~ademic performance was likely to be affected. The research recommended a seminar involving e teachers and the school management committee to sensitize them on the possible outcomes of e maipractices and how to improve their relationships with pupils for the betterment of the hool’s Education standards.