WELCOME TO KENTERPRO:
EFFECTS OF TRUANCY ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF ADOLESCENT STUDENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN PANKSHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

            Truancy refers to the act of students deliberately skipping school or classes without any legitimate excuse. This phenomenon is prevalent among adolescents and has been a significant concern in the educational system. Truancy has been found to have negative consequences on the academic performance of students, and this is especially evident in the English Language subject. This paper seeks to explore the effects of truancy on the academic performance of adolescent students in English Language in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area.

The effects of truancy on academic performance are well documented in the literature. One of the most significant effects is the negative impact on grades. Students who regularly skip classes or school are more likely to perform poorly in their exams and assessments. This is because they miss out on important information and instruction, which makes it difficult for them to keep up with the class and understand the subject matter.

Truancy also affects the development of language skills, especially in English Language. English Language is the primary language of instruction in most Nigerian schools, and students who skip classes miss out on important opportunities to practice their language skills. This can affect their ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English, which is a critical skill in the global economy.

Another effect of truancy is the negative impact on the social and emotional well-being of students. Truant students often feel isolated and disconnected from their peers and teachers. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which can further impact their academic performance.

The causes of truancy are multifaceted and include individual, family, and school factors. Individual factors include boredom, lack of interest in school, and low academic motivation. Family factors include family instability, poverty, and lack of parental involvement in their children’s education. School factors include a lack of supportive and positive school environment, inadequate teaching resources, and ineffective teaching strategies.

To address the issue of truancy, schools must adopt a multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying causes of truancy. This approach should involve the collaboration of school administrators, teachers, parents, and students. Schools should provide a positive and supportive environment that fosters academic achievement and ensures that students are engaged and motivated to learn. Teachers should adopt effective teaching strategies that promote student engagement and motivation, and parents should be involved in their children’s education by monitoring their progress and attending parent-teacher meetings.

Therefore, it is in line with the above discussion that this study seeks to examine effects of truancy on the academic performance of adolescent students in English Language in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area. It has negative consequences on grades, language skills development, and social and emotional well-being. To address this problem, schools must adopt a multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying causes of truancy and promotes a positive and supportive school environment.

Statement of the Problem

            Truancy is a widespread problem that affects the academic performance of many students in secondary schools. It is a significant problem in Pankshin Local Government Area, particularly in English Language subjects. Truancy is defined as an intentional and unjustifiable absence from school, classes, or academic activities without permission. It is a problem that often leads to lower academic performance, decreased student engagement, and a higher likelihood of dropping out of school.

The effects of truancy on academic performance are particularly evident in English Language subjects, which are crucial to a student’s educational success. The ability to communicate effectively in English is essential for success in many fields, including education, business, and politics. Students who are truant in English Language subjects are at risk of falling behind in their studies, and this can negatively impact their grades and academic performance.

Moreover, truancy in English Language subjects can also affect a student’s overall academic performance. Students who miss English Language classes often miss critical content, such as grammar and vocabulary lessons. This can hinder their ability to comprehend written and spoken English, leading to poor grades in other subjects that require English proficiency, such as history, social studies, and science.

Additionally, truancy can cause significant social and emotional problems for students. Students who are frequently absent from school can feel isolated from their peers and disconnected from their teachers. This can lead to a lack of motivation, decreased engagement in school activities, and lower self-esteem.

Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of truancy on the academic performance of adolescent students in English Language subjects in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area. The study will explore the causes and consequences of truancy, as well as identify strategies that can be implemented to reduce truancy rates and improve academic performance in English Language subjects. By understanding the impact of truancy on academic performance, educators and policymakers can develop effective interventions to improve the academic success of students in Pankshin Local Government Area.

Purpose of the Study

            The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of truancy on the academic performance of adolescent students in English Language in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area. The study aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. To determine the prevalence of truancy among adolescent students in English Language subjects in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area.
2. To identify the causes of truancy among adolescent students in English Language subjects in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area.
3. To investigate the academic consequences of truancy in English Language subjects on adolescent students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area.
4. To examine the social and emotional effects of truancy on adolescent students in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area.
5. To explore strategies for reducing truancy rates and improving academic performance among adolescent students in English Language subjects in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area.

Research Questions

            The following research questions guided the study:

1. What is the prevalence of truancy among adolescent students in English Language subjects in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area?
2. What are the causes of truancy among adolescent students in English Language subjects in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area?
3. What are the academic consequences of truancy in English Language subjects on adolescent students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area?
4. What are the social and emotional effects of truancy on adolescent students in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area?
5. What strategies can be implemented to reduce truancy rates and improve academic performance among adolescent students in English Language subjects in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area?

Significance of the Study

            The study on the effects of truancy on the academic performance of adolescent students in English Language subjects in secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area is significant for several reasons:

Identifying the root causes of truancy: By exploring the reasons why students skip English Language classes, the study can help identify the underlying factors that contribute to truancy in Pankshin Local Government Area. This information can be used to develop targeted interventions that address the specific challenges faced by students in the area.

Developing effective strategies to reduce truancy rates: By identifying effective strategies to reduce truancy rates, the study can help schools and policymakers to develop policies and programs that improve attendance in English Language classes. This can, in turn, improve the academic performance of students in the area.

Improving academic outcomes for students: The study’s findings can inform interventions and programs that target the academic needs of students who are at risk of falling behind due to truancy in English Language subjects. This can help to improve the overall academic outcomes of students in Pankshin Local Government Area.

Providing data for policy and decision-making: The study’s findings can provide valuable data for policymakers and decision-makers to make informed decisions on how to address the issue of truancy in the area. This information can be used to develop evidence-based policies that are tailored to the specific needs of students in Pankshin Local Government Area.

Contributing to the body of knowledge on truancy: The study can contribute to the body of knowledge on the effects of truancy on academic performance, specifically in the context of English Language subjects in secondary schools. This can inform future research on truancy and its effects on academic performance in other settings.

Methodology

Research design: The study will employ a cross-sectional survey research design, which will enable the collection of data from participants at a specific point in time.

Participants: The study will focus on adolescent students attending secondary schools in Pankshin Local Government Area who have a history of truancy. A sample size of 200 participants will be selected using stratified random sampling.

Data Collection: Data will be collected using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative data will be collected using surveys and questionnaires that will be administered to the participants. The questionnaires will contain closed-ended questions that will elicit information on truancy and academic performance in English Language. Qualitative data will be collected through interviews and focus group discussions with a subset of the participants.

Data Analysis: The data collected will be analyzed using statistical software such as SPSS. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation will be used to analyze quantitative data, while content analysis will be used to analyze qualitative data. The study will use chi-square tests and regression analysis to examine the relationship between truancy and academic performance in English Language.

Ethical Considerations: The study will be conducted in accordance with ethical principles such as informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity. Participants will be informed about the purpose of the study and their right to withdraw at any time. The data collected will be kept confidential, and participants will be assigned pseudonyms to ensure anonymity.

Limitations: The study is limited to Pankshin Local Government Area, and the findings may not be generalizable to other locations. Also, the study may be limited by the willingness of participants to provide accurate and truthful responses.

Implications: The study will provide insights into the effects of truancy on academic performance and will inform interventions to address truancy and improve academic performance in English Language among secondary school students. The findings of the study will be disseminated through academic journals, conferences, and workshops.