The Effects of Market Day Activities on Attendance of Basic School Pupils at Ablekuma Sub-metro Assembly
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The primary objective of this research is to investigate and analyze the effects of market day activities on the attendance of basic school pupils. To achieve this overarching goal, the study will pursue the following specific objectives:
- To Determine the Impact of Market Day Activities on School Attendance.
- To identify and analyze the socio-economic and cultural factors that play a role in the decision-making process of families regarding their children’s attendance on market days.
- To evaluate the short-term and long-term consequences of irregular school attendance due to market day activities.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Dimensions of school attendance
A growing body of literature categorizes school attendance into school attendees and absentees (Schoeneberger, 2011; Nichols, 2003; Rana et al., 2015). Similarly, the United States Department of Education (2019) categorized school attendees into irregular and regular attendees. Nonetheless, Zubrick (2019) proposes that school absentees can be further categorized into five dimensions: truancy, dropout, mobility, absenteeism and expulsion. Each of these dimensions of school absenteeism embeds varying areas of focus. According to National Audit Office (2005), truancy bears a legal implication and it is common across a certain age group. Truancy is a deliberate and unsanctioned absence from school. With the growing child rights movement today, children have the right to stay home without being questioned or reprimanded by their parents, teachers and schools (Shoenfelt and Huddleston, 2006). Nowadays teachers are forbidden from flogging children or admonishing them harshly for nonattendance at school because child protection laws prohibit any form of torture or harassment (McCluskey et al., 2004; Maynard et al., 2013). Eventually, children keep on skipping school and it becomes chronic truancy (Richardson, 1994; Weiner, 1991). In many societies in Africa, compulsory school attendance is not yet a legal requirement which partly explains the increase in the rate of truancy in these primordial societies (Sekiwu, 2013). School dropout refers to leaving school in the later years, usually in upper classes before graduation (Gottfredson and Gottfredson, 1989). School dropout is a situation arising out of a gradual lack of educational continuity, poor retention and mild participation (Council of Australian Governments, 2010). It often demonstrates patterns of segregation of learners into academic and vocational streams (Reid, 2012). Further, the patriarchal social order and school system discriminates against and stigmatizes girls which eventually leads to many girls dropping out of school (Gray and Partington, 2012). In the developing world, high poverty levels in families are a major cause of school dropout even in UPE schools where education is free of charge (Morrissey et al., 2014). This argument is similar to the Social Sub-Culture Theory (Sifuna et al., 2006), which proposes that dropout rates may be due to situations where learners under the vocational stream leave school because they cannot cope with intellectual work. Finally, Hancock et al. (2013) contend that social disadvantage, the lack of community and family supports and social inequity, and inclusion factors explain increased school dropout. Learner mobility factor is also a significant dimension of school attendance. Learner mobility means multiple enrolments in different schools as he/she moves from one community to another or changes guardianship. Evans (2006) observes that learner mobility may be used as a proxy factor to explain increased school dropouts. The work of Dunn et al.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the effects of market day activities on attendance of basic school pupils at Ablekuma sub-metro Assembly. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the effects of market day activities on attendance of basic school pupils
Summary
This study was on the effects of market day activities on attendance of basic school pupils at Ablekuma sub-metro Assembly. Three objectives were raised which included: to Determine the Impact of Market Day Activities on School Attendance, to identify and analyze the socio-economic and cultural factors that play a role in the decision-making process of families regarding their children’s attendance on market days and to evaluate the short-term and long-term consequences of irregular school attendance due to market day activities. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected primary schools in Ablekuma sub-metro Assembly. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
It’s clear that a delicate balance must be struck to maximize the positive aspects of market day activities while minimizing their negative impacts on basic school pupil attendance. Future efforts should focus on community-driven solutions and policy interventions that respect and preserve cultural traditions while ensuring equitable access to education for all pupils. By doing so, we can create a conducive environment for learning, empower families economically, and ultimately contribute to the educational development and well-being of basic school pupils in this unique and vibrant community
Recommendation
Based on the findings of the study on the effects of market day activities on the attendance of basic school pupils in the Ablekuma Sub-metro Assembly, several recommendations are put forth to address the complex dynamics at play and promote regular school attendance while respecting the cultural and economic significance of market day activities:
- Community Engagement and Awareness: Local educational authorities, in collaboration with community leaders, should initiate awareness campaigns to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance. These campaigns should take into account the cultural significance of market day activities and engage parents, guardians, and the community at large in discussions about balancing education with tradition.
- Flexible School Schedules: Schools can consider flexible scheduling to accommodate market day activities. This might involve adjusting the school calendar to allow pupils to participate in market events without missing critical classroom time. Such flexibility should be designed to minimize disruptions to the educational process.
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