INFLUENCE OF SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS

ABSTRACT

This study examined the influence of school environment on the academic performance of students in public secondary schools of Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. Five research questions guided this study. The population of this study consists of 12,994 students in the senior and junior secondary schools across 19 selected public schools in Awka South. The simple random sampling technique was used to select 300 respondents in 10 secondary schools from the 19 secondary schools. Mean was used to analyze the views of the respondents. The instrument used for collection of data was a 36 item structured questionnaire titled “influence of school environment on academic performance of students in public secondary schools Awka South Local Government Area Anambra State. Data collected in the study were analysed using weighted mean. The findings revealed that school security, a culturally conscious school and the adequate provision of infrastructure will enhance the academic performance of students. The study also revealed that students whose upper grade friends encourage to study harder, students who shares their academic problems with their friends and the ability of a school personnel to ensure adequate participation of students in learning activities, all affect the academic performance of students. The researcher recommends that appropriate approaches be adopted in the selection of sites for the location of schools and that there should be adequate provision of physical facilities for improved academic performance of students.