The Effects of COVID-19 on the Academic Performance of Students in Some Secondary Schools in the Federal Capital Territory
Chapter One
Objectives Of The Study
The study aimed at investigating the impact of a pandemic on student’s academic performance.
- To examine the impact of COVID-19 on education.
- To investigate the various challenges that hinder continued/online education during the COVID-19 lockdown
- To ascertain the major ways in which the coronavirus pandemic outbreak affect girl-child education in Nigeria
- To examine the impact of coronavirus pandemic outbreak on the students’ academic performance
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Overview of Coronavirus Disease
Coronavirus Disease is a contagious disease that first emerged in Wuhan, China in 2019. It was later coded “COVID-19” by the W.H.O which stands for Coronavirus Disease 2019. The Coronavirus outbreak remains one of the worst global pandemics for decades. The mortality rate soared and the easy of spread was upsetting. Research shows that older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer were more likely to develop serious illnesses from coronavirus (W.H.O, 2020). Some of the symptoms of Coronavirus include; Sore throat, runny nose, constant coughing/sneezing, breathing difficulty and fatigue.
As at the time of this study, there were no reliable treatments for Coronavirus, but a series of researches were in the pipeline across the world towards finding a clinical vaccine for the contagion. However, recent events shows that behavioural change can help contain the spread of coronavirus. Some of the suggested measures to halt the coronavirus pandemic include; improved individual habits such as personal hygiene, including constant washing of hands with alcohol-based sanitizers, good respiratory attitude (close coughing and sneezing), and other personal protection practices like wearing of face mask, social distancing, avoiding touching of the face, and reducing contacts with people through self-isolation at home or avoiding nonessential travels or gatherings. Coronavirus is a global problem that requires more action coordination and global cooperation to successfully contain the outbreak and to deal with its aftermath effects. Consequently, the United Nations appealed for 2 billion dollars to support global response efforts towards tackling the coronavirus pandemic. The consequences of COVID-19 could be more severe; if people do not comply or adhere strictly to public health regulations and advice.
Global Responses to Coronavirus Pandemic
A proactive response is critical to the containment of any disease outbreak, but the coronavirus took the world by surprise and most countries were not prepared initially for the pandemic, including the world powers. Shortly after the outbreak of COVID-19, the World Health Organization (W.H.O) issued guidelines and updates on how to mitigate the spread of the pandemic, and thereafter, many countries adopted different measures in addition to the
W.H.O guidelines to contain the spread of the disease. There were lockdowns in most parts of the world, and people were asked to work from home. Some countries even deployed their military to enforce coronavirus restrictions, and to reduce the number of covidiots. There were increased demands for health equipment including, protective gowns, sanitizers, face masks and hand gloves. Countries like the United States and the U.K also opened their visitation doors for medical professionals such as doctors and nurses who were working or willing to treat the effects of COVID-19. Also, large gatherings and sporting activities were suspended at both local and international levels. Big sporting events like the prestigious European Champions League games were played behind closed doors before they were suspended. Global responses to Coronavirus pandemic were varied from country to country, but most countries endorsed the closure of school strategy as a means to contain the spread of COVID-19. Some selected COVID-19 responses across the world particularly as it relates to the closure of schools due to Coronavirus are highlighted below:
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This section presents Methodology used in the study. It is presented under; Research Design, Target population, Sample Size, Sampling Technique and, Research Instruments, Validity of Research instruments, Reliability of Research instruments, Data collection procedures and Data Analysis Techniques.
Research Design
This study used a descriptive survey research design. In using this design, data collection was carried out in a structured process. Kumar (2005) argues that the goal of descriptive research is to describe the characteristics of a selected phenomenon and involves the collection of data without manipulation of variables. The sole purpose of descriptive research is to provide an accurate and valid representation of the factors or variables that are relevant to the research question. Descriptive survey research is helpful in indicating trends in attitudes and behaviors, and enables generalization of the findings of the research study to be done.
Neuman, (2000). This design is appropriate for this study because it will enhance the amount of quality information.
Sources of Data
The data for this study were generated from two main sources; Primary sources and secondary sources. The primary sources include questionnaire, interviews and observation. The secondary sources include journals, bulletins, textbooks and the internet.
Population of the study
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 constitute of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description (Prince Udoyen: 2019). Target population is finite in size, exists within a given time frame, and is accessible. Patton (2002) argues that for a target population to be plainly defined there is need to clearly define the properties that the researcher anticipates to investigate by use of a working definition.
The study targeted the 5 public schools in Abuja because they are few and have been presenting candidates for common entrance examination up to 2020. The study targeted primary six classes because they have been in the school system long enough to understand the the pandemic affected their academic performance and understand sources of school funding better than the lower classes. A population sample of 500 students was selected for the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
Demographic Information of Respondents
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
The study establishes that the Coronavirus pandemic has adverse effects on academic performance. COVID-19 has major effects on school characteristics, including research, academic programmes, Staff professional development and jobs in the academic sector etc. These effects were felt by both educational institutions, educators, students and parents and other stakeholders in education. The study emphasizes the need for adoption of technology in education, as a way to curb the effects of Coronavirus and other future pandemics in education. Thus, the study acknowledges that the decision to shutdown schools for Coronavirus across the world may be hurtful, but it is sensible considering the rate of spread, and the dangers imposed by COVID-19 pandemic. The unprecedented school closures for Coronavirus remains a lesson and a warning to the entire educational world particularly those who are yet to embrace or adopt emerging learning technologies that support online or remote education. Stakeholders in the education sector have to develop robust strategies to deal with post-Coronavirus era.
References
- Advantages and disadvantages of studying at home | Education Task. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2020, from https://www.educationtask.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-studying-at-home.html
- Adverse consequences of school closures. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2020, from UNESCO website: https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse/consequences
- Alvarez, P. (2020, March 13). National emergency: Trump declares coronavirus emergency – CNNPolitics.
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- Sociological Review, 15(3), 301–322. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.esr.a018265
- Brummet, Q. (2014). The effect of school closings on student achievement. Journal of Public Economics, 119, 108–124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpubeco.2014.06.010
- Christakis, E., & Christakis, N. A. (2020, March 16). Coronavirus: Closing the Schools Is Not the Only Option . The Atlantic . Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/03/coronavirus-closing- schools-not-only-option/608056/
- Cliff, N. (1988). The Eigenvalues-Greater-Than-One Rule and the Reliability of Components. Psychological Bulletin, 103(2), 276–279. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.103.2.276
