Relationship between Study Habits and Academic Performance among Junior High School Pupils in Akuapem Ghana: Implications for Counselling

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between study habits and academic performance of junior high school pupils in Akuapem South District of Ghana. Correlational research design was used in the study. The target population of this study subsumes all pupils in public junior high schools in Akuapem South District of Eastern Region of Ghana. A total of 302 JHS pupils within the district were sampled to participate in the study using simple random and proportional sampling technique. The respondents were measured with a questionnaire adapted from Essuman study habits inventory and the average of their three terms academic results. Data were collected and analyzed using regression analysis. The study showed that time management, pupils’ engagement in assignment, examination taking practices, reading and memorization and note-taking all positively correlated academic performance of pupils. It was concluded that study habit is an essential ingredient for better academic performance. It was recommended that guidance and counselling should be encouraged by school management in various schools in the district to meet pupil’s needs in terms of those who cannot study properly. The school counsellors should provide the necessary assistance and psychological support to such pupils to overcome obstacles they face in learning at home and school.