Project – Environmental factors and their influences on learners academic performance in primary schools in ethiope east LGA Delta State
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background to the Study
Environmental factors play a critical role in shaping the academic performance of learners, particularly in primary schools. These factors range from the immediate physical surroundings of the school to broader socio-cultural influences that affect students’ behavior, motivation, and learning outcomes. Physical environment factors such as school facilities, classroom conditions, and the availability of resources have been shown to influence students’ cognitive development, engagement, and overall academic success. According to Brophy (2010), the quality of the school environment, including adequate lighting, seating, and temperature control, is essential for optimizing student performance. A conducive learning environment fosters better concentration, enhances participation, and allows students to maximize their potential.
Beyond the physical environment, socio-economic factors are also significant in influencing academic performance. Socio-economic status (SES) of learners’ families often dictates access to educational resources, including tutoring, books, and technology, which can directly impact their academic outcomes. According to Sirin (2005), students from lower SES backgrounds are less likely to have access to these resources, which may lead to lower academic performance. In contrast, students from higher SES families tend to perform better due to increased support systems and educational opportunities. The gap in academic achievement linked to SES has been a consistent theme in educational research, and it highlights the disparities in academic outcomes within primary school settings.
The role of family and parental involvement in a child’s education is another crucial environmental factor influencing academic performance. Research by Epstein (2001) suggests that when parents engage actively in their children’s learning, whether through helping with homework, attending school meetings, or encouraging educational aspirations, it positively impacts the child’s academic success. Parental support provides not only academic assistance but also emotional encouragement, which is essential for the development of positive learning behaviors and attitudes. In addition, parental education levels and their own expectations for their children significantly shape academic outcomes. Parents who value education and have high expectations for their children’s performance foster a culture of achievement that directly influences students’ academic results.
School culture and teacher-student relationships also have a profound impact on academic performance. A positive school culture that promotes collaboration, inclusivity, and respect among students and teachers can significantly enhance students’ learning experiences. As Wang et al. (1994) argue, students who feel safe, valued, and supported are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their studies. Moreover, teacher-student relationships play a pivotal role in shaping academic achievement. Teachers who are supportive, empathetic, and capable of creating engaging lessons foster a positive learning environment that encourages student participation and success. Conversely, negative or distant relationships between teachers and students can contribute to disengagement and poor academic outcomes.
In addition to school-related factors, community and peer influences also play a role in learners’ academic performance. The broader community environment, including social networks, neighborhood safety, and available extracurricular activities, affects how students approach their education. A supportive community that values education often reinforces the importance of academic achievement. Research by Jeynes (2007) found that students in communities with strong social support networks performed better academically. Peer influence is another factor that can either promote or hinder academic success. Positive peer interactions can foster a competitive yet supportive learning environment, whereas negative peer pressure can detract from academic focus and performance. Thus, both community and peer factors contribute to shaping the academic trajectories of primary school students.
Psychological and emotional well-being are integral components of the environmental factors that affect academic performance. Emotional stability, self-esteem, and mental health significantly influence a student’s ability to perform in school. Students dealing with stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues may struggle to concentrate, retain information, or engage in classroom activities. According to Roeser et al. (2000), students with higher levels of emotional well-being are more likely to exhibit better academic performance due to their ability to manage stress and maintain focus. In contrast, students who experience emotional distress may find it challenging to meet academic expectations, highlighting the need for schools to provide adequate support systems to address the emotional and psychological needs of their learners.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the academic performance of primary school students in Ethiope East Local Government Area (LGA), Delta State. Despite efforts to improve educational outcomes through various interventions, many learners still face challenges in achieving optimal academic success. A significant factor influencing this situation is the environmental conditions within which the students live and learn. Environmental factors, which include physical school conditions, socio-economic status, family background, school culture, and community influences, have the potential to either enhance or hinder academic achievement. These factors have not been adequately explored in the context of primary schools in Ethiope East LGA, leaving a gap in understanding the specific challenges faced by students in this region.
The physical environment of schools in Ethiope East LGA is a key concern that affects students’ academic performance. Many schools in this area struggle with poor infrastructure, including dilapidated classrooms, inadequate teaching materials, and a lack of basic facilities such as clean water and electricity. These conditions may distract students and limit their ability to concentrate and engage fully in their studies. It is crucial to examine how these physical conditions impact student learning and identify whether they contribute to low academic performance in the region. Research has shown that schools with better infrastructure and facilities tend to produce better academic outcomes (Brophy, 2010), yet many primary schools in this LGA still face significant environmental challenges.
In addition to the physical environment, socio-economic factors are also pivotal in shaping the academic performance of learners in Ethiope East LGA. Many families in the region face economic difficulties, which often limit their ability to provide essential learning resources such as textbooks, uniforms, and extracurricular activities that enhance educational development. Children from low-income families often face additional barriers, such as poor nutrition and limited access to healthcare, which can negatively impact their cognitive development and academic performance. Socio-economic disparities in the region may further exacerbate inequalities in educational outcomes, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of how these factors affect students in the LGA.
Another critical environmental factor influencing academic performance is the level of parental involvement in children’s education. In Ethiope East LGA, many parents, particularly those from low-income households, may be unable to actively engage with their children’s schooling due to financial constraints, lack of education, or work-related pressures. Parental involvement has been widely recognized as a key determinant of academic success, as it provides emotional support and reinforces the importance of education (Epstein, 2001). However, limited parental engagement in the academic lives of students may contribute to poor performance, particularly in primary schools where early learning foundations are crucial. Understanding how parental involvement, or the lack thereof, impacts student outcomes in this region is critical for addressing the root causes of poor academic performance.
Furthermore, the role of the broader community in influencing academic performance cannot be overlooked. In Ethiope East LGA, the community environment, including its social networks, safety, and cultural values, plays a significant role in shaping students’ attitudes toward education. Communities that value education and provide support to schools tend to create a positive learning atmosphere that promotes academic excellence. Conversely, communities with high levels of crime, poverty, and instability may contribute to students’ disengagement from school and poor academic outcomes. The relationship between community support and academic success has been well-documented in educational research (Jeynes, 2007). However, there is a need to investigate the specific ways in which community factors influence learners’ academic performance in Ethiope East LGA.
Lastly, the psychological and emotional well-being of students is an often-overlooked environmental factor that may affect academic performance in primary schools in Ethiope East LGA. Students facing emotional stress, anxiety, or trauma, whether due to family issues, peer pressure, or other external factors, may struggle to focus on their studies and perform at their best. Mental health challenges among students in this region may be exacerbated by the lack of sufficient support systems in schools and communities. It is important to explore how the psychological and emotional states of learners in Ethiope East LGA influence their academic outcomes and to determine what interventions might be needed to support students in overcoming emotional barriers to learning.
There is a need for a comprehensive investigation into the environmental factors affecting learners’ academic performance in primary schools in Ethiope East LGA, Delta State. By understanding how physical, socio-economic, familial, community, and psychological factors contribute to academic success or failure, policymakers, educators, and stakeholders can implement targeted strategies to improve educational outcomes in the region. The findings from this study could inform interventions aimed at addressing the environmental challenges that hinder students’ academic potential in Ethiope East LGA, ultimately leading to more equitable and effective educational practices in the area.
1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to examine Environmental factors and their influences on learners’ academic performance in primary schools in ethiope east LGA Delta State. The objectives are:
- To identify the key environmental factors that impact academic performance in primary schools in Ethiope East LGA.
- To examine the relationship between environmental factors and academic performance among learners in primary schools.
- To assess the academic performance levels of learners in primary schools in relation to environmental factors.
- To explore potential strategies for improving academic performance through addressing environmental factors in primary schools.
1.4. Research Questions
The research questions are buttressed below:
- What are the key environmental factors that impact academic performance in primary schools in Ethiope East LGA?
- What is the relationship between environmental factors and academic performance among learners in primary schools?
- How do academic performance levels of learners in primary schools relate to environmental factors?
- What potential strategies can be explored for improving academic performance through addressing environmental factors in primary schools?
1.5. Research Hypothesis
The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:
Ho: Environmental factors have no significant impact on academic performance among learners in primary schools
H1: Environmental factors have significant impact on academic performance among learners in primary schools
1.6. Significance of the Study
The significance of this study lies in its potential to provide valuable insights into the environmental factors that influence the academic performance of learners in primary schools in Ethiope East Local Government Area (LGA), Delta State. Education plays a pivotal role in the development of any society, and understanding the factors that contribute to or hinder academic success is essential for improving educational outcomes. By examining the relationship between environmental factors and academic performance, this study will help identify specific barriers that affect student achievement in the region. This understanding can be used to develop targeted interventions that enhance the learning environment and, ultimately, the quality of education in Ethiope East LGA.
One of the key contributions of this study is that it will highlight the importance of school infrastructure and physical conditions on learners’ academic success. Many schools in Ethiope East LGA struggle with inadequate facilities, which may contribute to students’ inability to focus and perform well academically. By investigating how factors such as classroom conditions, availability of teaching materials, and basic utilities like water and electricity affect learning outcomes, the study will provide evidence that can be used to advocate for improved school infrastructure. Such improvements could lead to better academic results, as students would be provided with a more conducive environment for learning. This aligns with research that underscores the importance of quality physical learning environments in improving student performance (Brophy, 2010).
The socio-economic challenges faced by many families in Ethiope East LGA also have a significant impact on academic performance. This study will explore the role of socio-economic status (SES) in shaping students’ access to educational resources, parental support, and overall academic achievement. Understanding the ways in which low SES affects academic outcomes will enable policymakers and educators to design strategies that address these disparities, such as providing additional resources or support for low-income families. By examining this relationship, the study will provide insights into how targeted interventions can reduce the negative effects of socio-economic factors on academic performance, leading to greater equity in educational opportunities.
Parental involvement has long been recognized as a key determinant of academic success. However, in many regions like Ethiope East LGA, the level of parental engagement may be limited due to various challenges such as financial constraints, low education levels, and work pressures. This study will highlight the significance of parental involvement in influencing the academic performance of primary school learners. By examining the impact of parental support on students’ educational outcomes, the study will provide recommendations for schools and communities to enhance parental engagement. This could include strategies such as workshops for parents on the importance of supporting their children’s education or community-based initiatives that encourage active involvement in school activities.
Another important contribution of this study is its focus on the role of community factors in shaping academic performance. The community in which a child lives has a profound impact on their educational experiences, from peer relationships to the availability of social and educational resources. This study will explore how aspects of the community, such as its cultural values, safety, and social networks, influence students’ academic motivation and outcomes. By identifying the specific community-related challenges that hinder academic success, the study will provide useful recommendations for community leaders and stakeholders to create a supportive environment that fosters educational achievement. Communities that prioritize education and provide support systems can help mitigate some of the challenges students face, leading to improved academic performance.
Finally, this study is significant in that it will address the psychological and emotional well-being of students, which is often overlooked in discussions about academic performance. Students in Ethiope East LGA may face emotional and mental health challenges that interfere with their ability to succeed in school. The study will examine the relationship between emotional well-being, self-esteem, and academic performance. Understanding how psychological factors influence learning will be crucial in developing support systems within schools to address mental health issues. Recommendations could include the integration of counseling services, peer support programs, and stress management workshops to help students cope with emotional difficulties and improve their academic performance. Addressing these psychological factors will lead to more holistic approaches to education that consider both the mental and academic needs of learners.
The findings of this study will be highly significant for educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders in Ethiope East LGA and beyond. By identifying the environmental factors that influence academic performance, the study will provide a basis for the development of evidence-based interventions that improve learning outcomes. It will also contribute to the broader body of research on education in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas, where environmental factors often play a critical role in shaping educational experiences. Ultimately, this study will help foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for learners in Ethiope East LGA, thereby contributing to the overall development of the region.
1.7. Scope of the Study
The study examines the Environmental factors and their influences on learners’ academic performance in primary schools in ethiope east LGA Delta State.
1.8. Operational Definition of Terms
Environmental Factors: Environmental factors refer to the external conditions and influences in a learner’s surroundings that can impact their growth, development, and performance. These can be physical (such as the school’s infrastructure, classroom conditions, and availability of resources) or socio-cultural (including family background, socio-economic status, peer influences, and community environment). Environmental factors may either positively or negatively affect a learner’s ability to focus, engage, and succeed in their academic endeavors.
Influences: Influences refer to the effects or impacts that external factors or forces have on an individual, group, or process. In the context of this study, influences are the various factors—such as the school environment, home environment, community, and socio-economic conditions—that shape the behavior, learning process, and academic success of students. These influences can either enhance or hinder a learner’s academic performance.
Learners: Learners are individuals engaged in the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, attitudes, and competencies through formal or informal education. In this context, learners refer specifically to primary school students who are at the early stages of formal education. They are individuals who are actively participating in the learning process at a primary school level, aiming to build foundational academic knowledge and skills.
Academic Performance: Academic performance refers to the measurable outcomes of a learner’s educational achievements, typically evaluated through assessments, tests, grades, or overall achievement in various subjects. It reflects the degree to which a student has acquired knowledge, mastered skills, and met the learning objectives within the curriculum. Academic performance is often influenced by a variety of factors, including the learner’s cognitive abilities, study habits, emotional well-being, and environmental conditions.
Primary Schools: Primary schools are educational institutions that provide the first stage of formal education for children, typically from the age of 6 to 12 years. Primary education is foundational, focusing on basic subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. These schools play a critical role in a child’s intellectual, social, and emotional development, laying the groundwork for further education in secondary and higher learning levels. In this context, primary schools refer to the educational settings in Ethiope East LGA where learners are exposed to early education.
Project – Environmental factors and their influences on learners academic performance in primary schools in ethiope east LGA Delta State
