Influence of School Resources on Student Academic Performance in Economics in Secondary Schools

Influence of School Resources on Student Academic Performance in Economics in Secondary Schools

Abstract

The study was carried to ascertain the influence of school resources on student academic performance in economics in secondary schools in Uyo Local Government Area two specific objectives were stated from which research question were formulated to guide the study. A survey research design was adopted. The population o the study comprised of all the senior secondary students in the study area, and the sample of 150 SS2 students randomly selected from five (5) schools as representative of the entire population. The instrument used for data collection was school resources and students academic performance questionnaire (SRSAPQ) develop by the researcher. Data collected were analyzed using pearson product moment correlation coefficient (PPMC) statistical method. The result showed that school resources significantly influence students academic performance in Economics.

Influence of School Resources on Student Academic Performance in Economics in Secondary Schools

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Schools are institutions established for the purpose of teaching and learning. A school is a social and learning agent that provides the environment upon which a child may be formally educated in order to attain educational goals.

Nsa, offiong, Udo and Ikot (2014) pointed out that every human being have unlimited capacity to learn, but may however to limited by the behavior patterns and facilities that the immediate environment offers, Umoh (2006) is of the opinion that the nature only provides the materials in form of potentials but it is the environment that determines the extent of development.

Umoh and Etuk (2003) asserted that a child who wants to learn and develop desirable attitudes, interest, appreciation, understanding, habits, abilities, knowledge and skills requires a stimulating environment. A Stimulation school environment enables the teachers to teach a variety of with broad base ideas about what the student are likely to learn to respond. This makes it possible for both the teacher and students work cooperatively and productively towards attainment of educational goals.

Nsa, etal (2014), states that the school environmental variables that affect teaching and learning include laboratories, library facilities, adequate class room facilities, workshop facilities, buildings and structures, and play grounds among others. Teachers and other personnel to manage and service the physical facilities are the teaching, on-teaching and administrative staff of the school. The availability of those resources and facilities in the school environment influence the teaching, learning and performance of both the teacher and students.

Justine (2013) posits that the school variables that influence effective teaching, learning process and academic performance of student in sciences are adequate teaching personnel laboratory facilities/equipment library resources and instructional aides. In the teaching and learning of science, qualified and experienced teacher play vital role in facilitating the process using variety of activities and materials. The laboratory and library resources such updated and current text books also enable students to acquire facts in the subject’s areas. The secondary Biology Education curriculum covers a lot of concepts.

        The contents must be thought using adequate resources, teaching methods and aids so as to learners to promote scientific and technological knowledge and skills.

Olufemi (2010) repented that there was a significant relationship between the availability of qualified teachers, education facilities/equipment, and students’ performance in science. Umoh (2006) observed that there is a significant difference between the performance of students with adequate educational resources and those with inadequate school environment. Umoh further steed that where learning facilities and teaching personnel are adequate learning and performance are adequate learning and performance are positive. This implies that some school variables could enhance or hinder effective teaching and learning of science (Biology)

It is against the above background information that current research seeks to investigate the influence of school variable on students learning Biology in secondary school in Uyo Local Government Area.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

        A school variable refers to the educational resources that are present kin the school system. According to Nsa, etal. (2014), school variable include laboratories, library facilities, adequate classroom facilities/equipment, building instructional aides. It is believed that these variables promote effective teaching and learning.

        Unfortunately, most public secondary schools in uyo local government area do not have adequate teaching staff, well equipped library and instruction aid. Observed problem that this study is carried out to ascertain the effect of school variables on students’ searching of science in secondary schools in Uyo Local Government Area.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

        The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of school variable in Uyo Local Government Area. Specifically, the3 study aimed at the following

1. To ascertain the effect of teacher quality on student’s learning of Biology.
2. To investigate the effect of the availability of laboratory resource of students learning of Biology.

1.4 Significance of the Study

        The findings of this study will be significant to education agencies and administrators, teachers, and students as follows:

1. Findings of this study will enable education agencies and administrators to understand the influence of school variables and student’s effective leaning. The result of the study will help them to make plan to solve problems associated with school related factors and students learning.
2. The findings of the study will help the teacher to teach students effectively with the use of available teaching and learning resources in the school setting.
3. This study would be beneficial in future to educationist and researchers who may investigate related variables.

Influence of School Resources on Student Academic Performance in Economics in Secondary Schools

1.5   Research Questions

        The following research question were formulated to direct the study

1. To what extent does teacher’s quality relate to academic performance of student in Economics?
2. How does laboratory resources relate to academic performance of student in Economics?

1.6 Research Hypothesis

The following research hypothesis was postulated in the studies:

1. There is no significant relationship between teacher’s quality and academic performance of student.
2. There is no significant relationship between laboratory resources and academic performance of student in Economics.

Influence of School Resources on Student Academic Performance in Economics in Secondary Schools

1.7 Limitation of the Study

        The limitations of this study are as follows:

1. Time factor: time allowed for the conduct and completion of the research was limited. This made it impossible for the researcher to cover many or all the schools in the study area.
2. Financial constraint also constituted a major problem of this research works.

1.8 Delimitation of the Study

        The study was delimited to school resources and academic performance of student in Economics. It was also delimited to teacher quality and laboratory resources. It was delimited to selected secondary schools in Uyo Local Government Area.

1.9 definitions of terms

School Resources: This refers to factors that exist within the school system that influence student academic performance.

Students: students are individuals who attends school for the purpose of attaining formal education.