EVALUATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING LEARNING IN SECONDARY SCHOOL IN OTUKPO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA.

Alexander Idoko¹*, Veronica Eboyi Anyebe², Rita Ogochukwu Ngwu¹ and Iwebo Eze Jude³

¹Department of Biochemistry, Caritas University, Amorji – Nike, Enugu, Nigeria.

²Government Day Secondary School, Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria.

³Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Caritas University, Amorji – Nike, Enugu, Nigeria.

E mail*: idokoalexander1@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Difficulties in learning abound and are associated with various factors. This study evaluated some factors affecting learning in secondary school. Secondary schools in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State were used as case study. A structured and close ended questionnaire was developed and systematically administered in order to elicit responses from the respondents. A total of 200 respondents provided responses that were used for analysis. Data analysis was achieved using frequency count, total weighted value and mean. Respondents agreed that unprofessional teaching practice adversely affect students’ learning (mean =3.53), the use of professional teachers as principals, administrators, form teachers and counselor improve students’ academic performance and cover up loop holes (mean = 3.50), a teacher who is sound in his subject area is capable of arousing students interest to learn (mean = 3.71), provision of students primary needs enable them to learn better (mean = 3.59), students from well- to – do parents have advantage of completing the curriculum (mean = 3.50), observing of siesta, when a student is tired, enhances learning (mean =3.50), practice of personal hygiene helps to eliminate health risk factors and good state of mind for learning (mean = 3.48), proximity and accessibility of a school, encourage learning (mean = 3.54), strike actions disrupt learning activity (mean = 3.48),  inconsistent and irregular payment of teachers salary hampers teaching and learning (mean = 3.61), occasional giving of reward stimulate other students to learn (mean = 3.64), development of positive self concept by a student helps in brilliant academic performance (mean = 3.53) and students with health challenges find it difficult to learn (mean = 3.52). In line with this finding, it is imperative to state that learning, which is the sole of all academic activity, can be achieved at any level, if the above are carefully considered.