Perceived factors responsible for poor academic performance of Junior High School pupils in Asikuma circuit of Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa district

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify factors responsible for the poor academic performance of pupils in Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa district. Descriptive design was used. The target population for this study consisted of school children and teachers. The study population was made up of pupils, and teachers of Asikuma Circuit Junior High Schools. Simple random sampling was used to select four public Junior High Schools, namely Asikuma Presby JHS, Col Baidoo JHS, Asikuma Catholic Boys JHS and Asikuma Catholic Girls JHS. The researcher also used all the teachers in the selected Junior High Schools for the study. Questionnaire was deemed most appropriate for the study. The questionnaires were designed respectively for school teachers and pupils on factors which were perceived to be affecting academic performance in the school. Percentages and frequencies were used to analyze the background information of the participants and all the four research questions. The study found that school environmental factors such as inadequate teaching and learning materials, equipped classrooms for teaching and learning and non-availability of libraries in schools was a major cause of poor academic performance. Again, failure by parents in providing breakfast for their children before leaving to school and failure to provide subject textbook are the major home conditions responsible for the poor academic achievement of pupils. Teacher’s regular absence from school and lateness to school has contributed immensely to the poor performance of the pupils in Asikuma Circuit Junior High Schools. Pupil’s absenteeism, peer group influence, lateness to school, not enjoying their teacher’s lessons, contribute to pupil’s poor academic achievement in Asikuma pupils in Asikuma Circuit Junior High Schools.