Impact of Behavior Modification Techniques on Poor Study Habits of Secondary School Students in Dutsinma Local Government/Metropolis
Chapter One
Objective of the study
- To identify and categorize the prevalent poor study habits exhibited by secondary school students.
- To analyze the various factors that contribute to the development and persistence of poor study habits among secondary school students
- To investigate the direct correlation between poor study habits and academic performance.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATUIRE
Introduction
Learning can be immensely gratifying, but studying usually involves hard work. The first step towards effective study habits is to face up to this reality. One need not feel guilty if one doesn’t look forward to studying. Once an individual accepts the premise that studying doesn’t come naturally, it should be apparent that one needs to set up an organized programme to promote adequate study. Learning how to study is really a long-term process. As one goes on studying, one finds more techniques and methods that offer new information leading one on an interesting and successful direction. So, learning how to study or to develop good study habits is a lifelong process, and one should be ready to modify one’s method of study according to the need of the time. The development of good study habits is the highway to the goals of an individual, whatever they are. A simple, small change in study habits makes a big difference in goal setting and organization of one’s life. The success of an individual depends upon his study habits. Education is the manifestation of perfection already existing in man. The tool enabling this manifestation is study habits.
Concept of Study Habit
How a student takes his or her studies, greatly determines his/her level of academic achievements. The level of preparation and learning strategies developed and employed consciously by students, go a long way to influence their level of academic performance. Thus, study habit is one of the greatest students or learning factors that hugely influences students’ academic achievements. If undermined by students at all levels, teachers, administrators, parents and guardians, school counselors and the government, then, the trend and menace of students’ abysmal performance in both internal and external examinations would continue to boom and become more devastating and alarming. Mark and Howard (2009) are of the opinion that the most common challenge to the success of students in all ramifications is a lack of effective or positive (good) study habit. They further maintain that if students can develop a good study habit and with good discipline, they are bound to perform remarkably well in their academic pursuit. Husain (2000) stresses that lack of effective or positive (good) study habits is a critical study problem among students at all levels. Grace (2013) also maintains that the process of learning is still a little mysterious but studies do show that the most effective process for studying involves highly active behavior over a period of time. In other words, to study effectively, one must read, draw, compare, memorize and test himself over time. The concept of study habit according to Husain (2000) is broad, as it combines nearly all other sub-concepts such as study attitude, study methods and study skills. Attitude is a mental and natural state of readiness, organized through experience, exerting a direct influence on the individual’s response to all objects and situations with which is related. Attitude towards study has great contribution on academic achievement, and good study pattern. Successful learners adopt positive attitude towards study, and do not waste time or energy over what they have to do. If the learning experience is pleasant, the learner’s attitude and motivation is usually positive, and if the learning experience is not pleasant he tends to avoid it. Negative attitude towards study sometimes finds expression in comment such as “I study but cannot remember what I study” or “the lessons are too long”. Attitude serves as index on how we think and feel about people, objects and issues in our environment. Study attitude, according to Husain (2000), refers to the predispositions which students have developed towards private readings through a period of time. According to him, study attitude offers great possibilities for successful achievement in studies. Study method is the knowledge and application of effective study skills or techniques by students. Several study methods have been identified several effective study methods and skills that could be used by students based on the learning environment (Husain, 2000). Kelli (2009) posits that for students to succeed in their studies, they must be able to appropriately assimilate course content, digest it, reflect on it and be able to articulate the information in written and/or oral form. What is fundamental is the ability of a student to acquire effective study habits. Many students feel that the hours of study are the most important. However, students can study for hours on end and retain very little. The more appropriate question is how students should study more effectively. Developing good time management skills is very important. Students must realize that there is a time to be in class, a time for study, time for family, time to socialize and time to just be alone. The critical issue is recognition that there must be an appropriate balance. Students should also have vision. A clearly articulated picture of the future they intend to create for themselves is very important and contributes to students’ success in school. This will promote a passion for what they wish to do. Passion is critical and leads to an intense interest, dedication and commitment to achieving career goals and objectives. Marc (2011) explains that students with learning problems, however, may still have generally inefficient and ineffective study habits and skills. Becoming aware of your learning habits or styles will help students to understand why they sometimes get frustrated with common study methods. He observes that good study habits are essential to educational success; as they contribute to a successful academic future. Good study habits lead to good grades while good grades lead to admissions to better colleges and universities, possibly with a scholarship thrown in. This in turn, will lead to a great career. Developing good study habits to Marc is very crucial for every student irrespective of his level of education.
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.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine effect of behavior modification technique on the poor study habit problem of secondary school students in dutsinma LG /metropolis. Selected secondary schools in Dutsinma LGA form the population of the study.
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 Effect of behavior modification technique on the poor study habit problem of secondary school students in dutsinma LG /metropolis. 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 Effect of behavior modification technique on the poor study habit problem of secondary school students in dutsinma LG /metropolis
Summary
This study was on Effect of behavior modification technique on the poor study habit problem of secondary school students in dutsinma LG /metropolis. Three objectives were raised which included: To identify and categorize the prevalent poor study habits exhibited by secondary school students, to analyze the various factors that contribute to the development and persistence of poor study habits among secondary school students and to investigate the direct correlation between poor study habits and academic performance. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected secondary schools in Dutsinma LG /metropolis. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of addressing poor study habits through behavior modification techniques in the local context of Dutsinma LG/Metropolis. By recognizing and mitigating these challenges, educators and policymakers can create a conducive learning environment that supports the academic success and personal development of secondary school students in the region. Future research endeavors should explore the scalability and adaptability of these interventions across diverse settings to contribute to the broader discourse on enhancing study habits and academic achievement.
Recommendation
Based on the findings of the study on the effect of behavior modification techniques on the poor study habit problem of secondary school students in Dutsinma Local Government Area/Metropolis, the following recommendations are proposed:
- Educational institutions in Dutsinma LG/Metropolis should consider incorporating behavior modification programs into their curriculum. These programs can include workshops, seminars, and ongoing training for both students and educators to reinforce positive study habits.
- Provide professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance their skills in employing behavior modification techniques effectively. Equipping educators with the knowledge and tools to identify and address poor study habits can significantly contribute to a positive learning environment.
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