Teachers' Higher Degrees on Teaching and Learning in Kenyan Schools : How Teachers' Further Studies Enhance Students' Academic Performance

Acquisition of higher education by secondary school teachers has implications on teaching and learning in secondary schools. The study set out to determine the perceived effects of teachers' acquisition of higher degrees on teaching and learning. Specifically it investigated the perceived effect of teacher's acquisition of higher degrees on the use of instructional methodologies, instructional materials, students' assessment and performance. The study was carried out in public secondary schools in Kakamega Central district of Kenya. It used descriptive survey design. The results were presented in form of frequency tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The study findings as opined by respondents showed that acquisition of higher degrees by secondary school teachers' affected the use of instructional media and students' assessment. It also revealed that there is a relationship between a teacher's higher academic qualification and student's academic performance. However the study showed that higher education does not affect the use of instructional methodology.