CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Educators and researchers in Nigeria have been increasingly interested in exploring the factors influencing students' academic performance, particularly in the context of the consistently poor results in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE). The issue of inadequate academic performance has raised concerns among the government, parents, teachers, and students themselves. A study by Adu and Ageni (2004) revealed a continuous decline in the performance of students in Economics at the senior secondary certificate examination in Oyo state, emphasizing the need to assess the teaching-learning process to understand the contributing factors.
The importance of Economics in managing a nation's resources is widely acknowledged, reflected in the emphasis placed on teaching and learning Economics in schools. The quality of teachers and future managers of the economy depends significantly on a strong foundation in Economics. However, despite the recognition of the subject's importance, students' academic performance in both internal and external examinations remains unsatisfactory.
While most educational studies have focused on classroom dynamics, Adeqandu (1998) pointed out the neglect of other crucial factors, such as socio-psychological influences, which play a role in how individuals learn. Onecha (2009) highlighted the significance of psycho-social variables in shaping educational aspirations and accomplishments, emphasizing their impact on cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains of education.
Various scholars, including Bakare (2008) and Gboge (2009), have identified factors such as heredity, environment, time, family, school, and society as influencers of students' academic performance. Self-concept, defined by Hassan (2011) and Gboye (2009) as an individual's self-perception, and study habits, encompassing study attitude, method, and skills, are crucial elements that contribute to academic success.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Economics, a fundamental subject with implications for resource management and national development, witnesses suboptimal performance among students in Nigeria. The incorporation of mathematical elements in the Economics syllabus poses a challenge for students, leading to difficulties in the senior secondary class. Identified student variables, including study habits, self-concept, and attitudes to learning, have been recognized as significant influencers on academic performance. This study aims to investigate the relationship between these student variables and academic performance in Economics among secondary school students.
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1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine the impact of students’ variables and academic performance of students in Economics. Specific objectives of the study are:
- 1. To identify and examine the student variables that are most strongly associated with academic performance in economics in senior secondary school.
- 2. To assess the relative importance of these student variables in predicting academic performance.
- 3. To identify any potential interactions between student variables that may influence academic performance.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- What student variables are most strongly associated with academic performance in economics in senior secondary school?
- How do these student variables compare in terms of their relative importance in predicting academic performance?
- 3. Do any student variables interact with each other to influence academic performance?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no statistical significant relationship between students’ variables and academic performance.
Hi: There is a statistical significant relationship between students’ variables and academic performance.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the education sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to sampled to respondents in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
1.10 Definition of Terms
- Academic Performance: The measure of a student's achievement in their academic endeavors, often assessed through grades, test scores, and other educational assessments.
- Cognitive Ability: The mental capacity of a student to think, reason, and understand concepts. It includes intellectual capabilities such as memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
- Study Habits: Patterns of behavior and routines adopted by students in the process of studying. This includes methods of preparation, time management, and concentration techniques.
- Learning Styles: Individual preferences and approaches to acquiring knowledge, often classified as visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learning styles.
- Motivation: The drive or willingness of a student to engage in learning activities and pursue academic goals.
- Prior Knowledge: The information and understanding a student possesses before encountering new material in a particular subject.
- Economics: The social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. In an academic context, it refers to the subject taught in schools.
- Senior Secondary School: The higher level of secondary education, typically for students aged 15 to 18 years old, preparing them for tertiary education or the workforce.
- Variables: Factors or characteristics that can vary and have different values among individuals. In this context, it includes elements influencing students' academic performance.
- Correlation: A statistical measure indicating the extent of a relationship between two or more variables. Positive correlation implies that as one variable increases, the other also increases, and vice versa. Negative correlation implies an inverse relationship.
