Monitoring and Evaluation Systems and Performance of Ordinary Level Students in Public Day Schools’ in Kicukiro District, Rwanda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t2578Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to examine the effect of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems on the performance of ordinary level students in public day schools in Kicukiro District, Rwanda. Guided by the Results-Based Management (RBM) Theory and Systems Theory, the research emphasized accountability, feedback loops, and the interdependence of educational processes in achieving improved learning outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies within a descriptive and correlational research design. The target population comprised 769 individuals, including head teachers, directors of studies, teachers, and students, from which a sample size of 315 respondents was selected using purposive and stratified random sampling. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, interviews, and document reviews, with reliability confirmed through Cronbach’s Alpha and validity ensured via expert review. Findings revealed that M&E design and planning had a moderate positive influence on student performance (β = 0.287, p < .001), while human capacity, particularly teacher competence, also contributed positively though constrained by heavy workloads (β = 0.152, p = .003). Lesson preparation processes emerged as the strongest predictor of student performance (β = 0.552, p < .001), especially when informed by M&E data and supported with teaching resources. Overall, the regression model explained 72.4% of the variation in student performance (R² = 0.724), confirming that effective M&E systems significantly enhance academic outcomes. The study provides empirical evidence for policymakers, education administrators, and school leaders on the importance of strengthening M&E systems to improve teaching practices and student achievement in Rwanda.
Keywords: Lesson preparation, Monitoring and Evaluation systems, M&E design and planning, human capacity, and students’ performance
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