Description

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Academic performance of students especially at the secondary school level is not only a pointer to the effectiveness or otherwise of school but a major determinant of the future of youths in particular and the nation in general (Aremu and Osonwa 2012). It is a known and widely accepted fact that environmental influences have always contributed positively or negatively to the success or failure in academic achievement, it does not always depend entirely on the intellectual endowment of students but also on a number of other variables. Environmental influences appear to form a cluster of challenges to the educational progress or attainment of learned In their attempt to learn. Unfortunately, many students in secondary school experience problem in adjusting academically.

Student’s education is closely linked to their life chances, income and well-being (Battle and Lewis 2012) Therefore, it is important to have a clear understanding of what benefit or hinders One’s educational attainment. There are several areas of the environment that are mostly linked to academic performance is how well an individual fulfil the role of student in educational settings, sex, race, school effect, extra- curricular activities, are all important on student role performance and have shown to affect the academic achievement of students environment such as neighborhoods, family background, relationship between teachers and students. School environment implies a measure of quality and quantity of cognitive creative and social support that has been available to the subject during their school life in terms of teacher – student interaction.

The classroom environment consist of teacher support, teaching material, task orientation, study habits, involvement, disengagement. It is therefore necessary to study the academic learning environment of students in this contexts of home and school. School environment may consist of both negative and positive characteristic which affects the perception of student. There is no doubt that condition of environments constitute the performance of students across all field of endeavour. Federal Government in 2004 stated in the National Policy on Education that the aim of education is to inculcate in the child, the spirit of inquiring and creativity through the exploration of nature. But this can only be attained and made possible when other things like environmental influences are incorporated into curriculum and instruction of the school. However, study took look at most students academic performance particularly in Economics as a subject in secondary school.

According to (Oluchukwu 2013) and Ajayi (2015), the school environment which include the classroom libraries, technical workshops, peers e.t.c. These characteristics includes, interpersonal relationships, decision making, communication structure, sensitivity to teachers problems, attitudes, value and morals of the entire school. Some of the environmental factors that militate against academic performance of students in economics are noise, overcrowded classes, inadequate powers supply, air pollution, health factor e.t.c. In the school setting, student performance in Economics plays a significant role in the economic and commercial growth of the country. This can be seen from the role at which the development through their various instruments and organizations. Economics is interesting as it has quickly gained popularity and acceptance among parents, teachers, and students (Obameata 1980).

According to (Adu, 2015) the study of Economics serves a useful purpose in modern life. It gives us facts and shows us what may be expected to be the outcome of certain lines of conduct, it helps to decide which of several alternative to choose. It charged it is recipient to make wise choice that will satisfy their needs in the presence of unlimited want and resources.

However, despite the importance of Economics both to the literate and illiterate, its study at the lower and higher levels of education has not been encouraging. It has been observed that student’s performance in Economics is not so encouraging and students find it difficult to pass Economics. Poor academic performance has been a serious problem in the education sector.

The impact of environmental factors on the academic performance of students in economics is a subject of growing concern and research in the field of education. Environmental factors encompass a wide range of influences that can affect a student’s ability to excel in their economic studies. These factors can be categorized into physical, social, and psychological aspects, all of which play a significant role in shaping a student’s educational experience.

One of the key physical environmental factors that can impact academic performance in economics is the quality of the learning environment. The availability of well-equipped classrooms, libraries, and study spaces can greatly affect a student’s ability to focus and engage with their coursework. A comfortable and conducive physical environment can lead to better concentration, improved information retention, and ultimately, higher academic achievement.

Social environmental factors are also critical in this context. Peer influences, family support, and the overall social climate can either facilitate or hinder academic performance. A supportive network of friends, family, and mentors who encourage and value education can positively impact a student’s motivation and sense of belonging, ultimately leading to improved performance in economics.

Psychological factors, such as stress and anxiety, are equally significant. Academic pressures, financial burdens, and personal issues can create high levels of stress that may interfere with a student’s ability to concentrate and succeed in their studies. These factors can result in decreased motivation and poor academic performance in economics courses.

Additionally, the broader environmental factors, such as economic conditions and government policies, can also affect a student’s academic performance in economics. Economic instability and a lack of access to educational resources may lead to reduced opportunities for students to succeed in their economic studies.

In conclusion, the impact of environmental factors on the academic performance of students in economics is multifaceted. Physical, social, and psychological influences all play a crucial role in determining a student’s ability to excel in this field of study. Recognizing and addressing these factors is essential for educational institutions and policymakers seeking to improve the academic outcomes of economics students. By creating supportive learning environments and addressing stressors, we can help students thrive in their pursuit of economic knowledge and excellence.

 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Not paying much attention to intellectual endowment of the students by the teachers and parents has been one of the most citied problems not only in Economics but all learn able courses or subjects in the school. Teachers have always been ignorant of the fact that there are other independent variable that could affect students opportunity to learn well and also improve their performances. It appear that many people have not yet recognized that environment has a great impact on student academic performance.

This study’s concern therefore is to look at some environmental factors that can be used as a yardstick to check if really environmental factors has any influence on the academic performance of students in secondary schools. Hopefully the findings of this study will help the researcher to make sound recommendations on how to tackle problems of peer academic performance. This above study will seek to find out if environmental factors of this study include Noise, Overcrowded classes, Inadequate Power supply, Health factor, Air pollution affect academic performance of Economics students in some selected secondary schools in Oyo Town .

1.3 Purpose of the Study

General purpose

The main purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship that exist between the school environment and academic performance of Economics student in some selected secondary school in Oyo Town, Nigeria.

1. To assess the difference in academic performance of students in Economics based on location.
2. To examine the difference in the academic performance of students in Economics based on health factors.
3. To ascertain the difference in the academic performance of students in Economics based on overcrowded classes.
4. To determine the difference in academic performance of students in Economics based on inadequate power supply.

Specific Purpose

The major purpose of this study examines environmental factors and their influence on student’s academic performance.

1. To identify if noise will affect academic performance.
2. To know if overcrowded classes will influence academic performance of student in Economics
3. To determine if inadequate power supply has any relationship with academic performance of students.
4. To determine if air pollution has any relationship with academic performance of students.

 

1.4       Research Questions

The study sought answer to the following research questions.

1. To what extent does noise influence academic performance of students in Economics in secondary schools?
2. To what extent does power supply influence academic performance of students in Economics in secondary schools?
3. How does overcrowded classes influence students academic performance in Economics in secondary schools?
4. To what extent does the presence of air pollution affect academic performance of students in some selected secondary schools?

1.5       Significance of the Study

The research work will be significant and of great benefit to all sundry both in the academic environment and the secular society. It will also help everyone particularly parents and guardians to appreciate the need to consider the variables in addition to personal intellectual endowment when mounting blames on their children or wards for poor academic performance.

Finally, It encourages teachers and parents to accord their students and children a better and conducive learning environment having known these environmental students who may want to undertake further research on this topic in future.

1.6     Scope of the Study

The scope of the study will help to know some environmental factors that affect the academic performance of students in Economics in Oyo Town, Nigeria.

Findings revealed there is significant relationship between school environment and students’ academic performance in Economics in some selected secondary schools in Oyo Town.

 

1.7       Operational Definition of Terms

The flowing terms are defined in the context of this research study:

Environmental Factors:- This refers to external conditions surrounding the learners that pose challenges in the course of learning. These conditions can help improve or retard academic performance of learners.

Academic Performance:- Is the extent to which a student teacher or institutions has attained their short or long term educational goals.

Economics:- is a social science that study human behavior as a relationship between ends and scarce means which has alternative uses.