Impact of Environmental Pollution on the Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Nigeria
Chapter One
Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to the impact of environmental pollution on academic performance of secondary school students in Nigeria. However, the specific objectives are:
- To ascertain the environmental factors that distort learning and academic performance of secondary school students in Nigeria.
- To determine the possible ways of enhancing the academic performance of the secondary school students in Nigeria.
- To establish the general perceptions of the Nigerian secondary school students towards environmental pollution and its effects on their academic performance.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Influence of Environmental Factors on the Academic Performance
One of the factors that influence academic performance is school location/site of the school. This is so because in a situation whereby the school is sited in a noisy area like airport or in the heart of a city like Port Harcourt city, where activities disrupt the teaching/learning of the students. One will not expert such students in this area to be doing well academically. Onukwo (2004) in his note says that a conducive environment enhances a child’s growth and development. Children feel happy in a peaceful and friendly environment where as schools sited in noisy urban streets are associated with deficits in mental concentration leading to student’s poor performance. Noise is anything that interferes with teaching/learning process. Noise produces influence on children’s information processing strategies, feelings of personal control as well as their level of arousal. Economic, motivational and emotion are also other factors that influences academic performance of students (Franser 1978). These hamper the child’s intellectual development considerably as such treatments invariably result in negative self-concept. Also culture influences student’s academic performance. The cultural environment influences aspiration because culturally based explanations of behaviour tend to focus on the moral codes that operate within particular families, communities or groups. As culture has to do with beliefs values, norms and socializations, research evidence have shown that the environment whether urban or rural industrial also contributes to what a child learns and how it is being learned. Some communities have a history/tradition of formal education and modern education influences. Then while some are not so well equipped. The gadgets, resources, facilities in both types of community will influence the learning processes of the child. Student’s cannot single handedly achieve all their goals. So they must be equipped with adequate technological facilities such as textbooks, clients, computer, visual and audio-visual aids, photographs and posters. Vikoo (2003) views instructional material as “any device with instructional content or function that is used for teaching purpose, including books, supplementary reading materials, audio-visual and other sensory materials, scripts for radio and television instrumentation programs for computer management packaged sets of materials for construction or manipulation. Also Vikoo (2003) sees instructional material as anything that can be profitably employed to facilitate teaching learning process. Therefore, class without learning material can lead to student’s poor academic performance.
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 Impact of Environmental Pollution on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Nigeria. Selected secondary schools in Port harcourt 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 Impact of Environmental Pollution on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Nigeria.. 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 Impact of Environmental Pollution on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Nigeria.
Summary
This study was on Impact of Environmental Pollution on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Nigeria.. Three objectives were raised which included: To ascertain the environmental factors that distort learning and academic performance of secondary school students in Nigeria, to determine the possible ways of enhancing the academic performance of the secondary school students in Nigeria and to establish the general perceptions of the Nigerian secondary school students towards environmental pollution and its effects on their 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 Port Harcourt. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study underscores the urgency of addressing environmental pollution in Nigeria, recognizing its direct impact on the educational achievements of secondary school students. By taking concrete steps to reduce pollution and promote a healthy learning environment, we can ensure that students have a better chance of realizing their full academic potential, ultimately contributing to the development of a brighter and more sustainable future for Nigeria.
Recommendation
Based on the findings of the study on the “Impact of Environmental Pollution on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Nigeria,” the following recommendations are made:
- Improved Environmental Policies and Regulations: The Nigerian government should establish and enforce more stringent environmental policies and regulations aimed at reducing pollution levels. These regulations should target both industrial and individual sources of pollution and should be regularly reviewed and updated to keep pace with changing environmental challenges.
- Environmental Education: Incorporate environmental education into the secondary school curriculum. This will help students understand the importance of environmental protection and sustainable practices, and empower them to become environmentally conscious citizens.
- Better Waste Management: Improve waste management practices across the country, with a particular focus on schools. Adequate waste disposal systems should be established, and recycling programs should be encouraged to reduce the environmental burden.
- Air Quality Monitoring: Implement air quality monitoring systems in and around schools to assess and control air pollution levels. This data can help identify pollution sources and take necessary actions to reduce them.
- Noise Pollution Mitigation: Develop noise pollution reduction strategies, especially in urban areas. Implement measures to minimize noise pollution near schools, such as constructing noise barriers, scheduling noisy activities outside school hours, and educating the community on the importance of reducing noise pollution.
- Safe Water and Sanitation Facilities: Ensure that all schools have access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities. Hygiene and sanitation are crucial for both student health and academic performance.
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