Computer Mediated Communication and Academic Performance of University Students’ in Nigeria (Published)
This study on Computer Mediated Communication and Academic Performance of University Students’ in Nigeria has as its objectives to ascertain the level of exposure, determine the level of dependence, ascertain the level of application and gratification derived from the use of computer mediated communication by University students’ in Nigeria. The research design used for data collection was opinion survey, with questionnaire and personal interviews as research instruments. The population of the study comprised students of Akwa Ibom State University, which is 8,999 (wwwaksu.edu.ng). The sample size of 400 was determined using Taro Yamani’s sample size determination formula. The research adopted two sampling procedures for selecting samples for the study. The data collected from the questionnaire were analysed in simple percentages and the personal interview were analysed qualitatively using explanation building based on the research questions. The study which was anchored on Computer Mediated Communication theory and Technology Determinism theory found out that majority of respondents (61%) agreed that the level of application/dependence on CMC was very little. The study further revealed that respondents perceived the level of application/dependence on CMC to be unsatisfactory. The study further revealed factors affecting CMC implementation in Akwa Ibom State University to include poor quality of internet signals, learners perception of social presence in CMC, lack of data, inadequate computer/laptops in the university and insufficient electricity on campus.
Keywords: : Academic Performance, Akwa Ibom State University, Students, computer-mediated communication, imperatives
Effects of Sports Participation on the Academic Performance of Senior High School Students in Mathematics (Published)
The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of engaging in sporting activities on the academic performance of students in mathematics at the senior high school level in the Cape Coast Metropolis. To ascertain the main objective of the study, descriptive survey design was employed. The study used 100 senior high school students comprising 59 student-athletes and 41 non-student athletes. For data collection, each respondent was presented with the research questionnaire designed for the study. The study revealed that, there is no statistically significant difference between the performance of student-athletes and non-student athletes in mathematics. The study, however, concluded that, sports participation has no negative effects on students-athletes’ academic performance in mathematics. What this finding implies is that, parents and mathematics teachers should not seize students from participating in sporting activities with the fear that participating in sports worsens academic performance.
Keywords: : Academic Performance, Effects, learning time, sports participation
Influence of Street Hawking on Study Habit and Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria (Published)
Unemployment and poor economic condition of many families in Nigeria has forced some parents to engage their children in street hawking to support family income. This can have hazardous effects on the children and put their future at risk. This paper examined the impact of street hawking on study habits and academic performance of secondary school students in Ado Ekiti. The population consisted of all students involved in hawking in secondary schools. The sample was 180 secondary school students selected through purposive sampling technique. One research question was raised and three research hypotheses were tested. Two instruments titled “Questionnaire on Street Hawking and Study Habit (QSHSH)” and “Social Studies Achievement Test (SSAT)” validated and tested for reliability were used for the study. The reliability test yielded 0.74 and 0.71 coefficients for QSHSH and SSAT respectively. Data collected were analysed using frequency count, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation at 0.05 level of significance. Finding of the study revealed that student hawkers exhibited poor study habits which led to their poor academic performance. It was recommended among others that student hawkers should learn to form good study habits of reading and preparing early for examination so as to improve their academic performance while government should improve the standard of living of the people in order to reduce poverty which is the main cause of street hawking.
Keywords: : Academic Performance, Street hawking, Students, Study Habit, achievement test, student hawkers.
Effects of Perceived Lecturers’ Competence and Classroom Environment on Students’ Academic Performance (Published)
The intention of this study was to investigate how perceived teachers’ competence and perceived classroom environment affect academic performance. Two hundred and sixty randomly selected final year National Diploma (ND II) students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria were involved in this study. They were given two questionnaires that took approximately, fifty minutes to complete. The study was conducted in a classroom environment during regular school hours. After collecting information from the students through questionnaires, their comprehensive Grade Point Average (GPA) in previous year were also collected. This GPA data were then compared to the scores obtained from the questionnaires. This study concludes that there was a statistically significant relationship between teachers’ competence and GPA, and that there is a statistically significant interaction between classroom environment and students’ academic achievement. Consequently, it was recommended that governments and school authorities must embark on regular training programmes and encourage teachers advance their academic and professional qualifications so that they would be more competent. Also, stakeholders in education should formulate policies that will ensure the appointment of qualified and competent teachers as well as the adequate provision of academic facilities in all schools as such would result in higher academic achievement.
Keywords: : Academic Performance, Classroom Environment, Cognitive Activation, Content Knowledge, Learning Support, Lecturers’ Competence
Implication of Academic Staff Union Strike Action on Students’ Academic Performance: Ex-Post-Facto Evidence from University Of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria. (Published)
The study explored the implication of the incessant industrial action by academic staff unions on the students’ academic performance: ex-post-facto evidence from University of Lagos, Nigeria. With the objective of carrying out relative analysis of the students’ academic performances in the pre-strike semester to post strike semester capturing the academic performance by GPA. The study developed a theoretical framework and employed ex-post-facto research design. The research revealed that strike action disrupts academic calendar which bestowed on students psyche cost, disheartenment and unable to speedily regenerate themselves towards academic exercises at the resumption. Consequently, poor academic performance in the post-strike semester. The Study recommends amongst others that whatever the grievances, academic union and other bodies that operate in education sector should not resort to the strike as weapon of bargaining. Joint Consultation Committee should be set up and meet on periodic intervals to discuss impending matters that could generate dispute.
Keywords: : Academic Performance, Academic Staff Union, Curriculum, Educational Objectives, Industrial Action