Influence of study habits on academic performance of students in mathematics in junior high schools in the Kumasi Metropolis

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of study habit on academic performance of students in Mathematics in junior high schools in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study adopted descriptive survey research design where data were collected from Mathematics Teachers and Students in Weweso M/A JHS, Aprade JHS, Kentinkrono JHS and Emmanuel Methodist JHS, Anwomaso JHS. This through random sampling sampled 278 students and 10 Mathematics Teachers. The study designed two sets of questionnaire for data collection, one set for teachers and other set for students. The data collected were entered into SPSS, version 21.0 for analysis. The study found out that majority of the students attended all Mathematics classes; solved mathematics past questions, learnt or studied mathematics in quite environment, did mathematics exercises without coping from others and had personal mathematics textbooks. However, the study also revealed that majority of the students did not revise their Mathematics notes as required, did not contact Mathematics Teachers for help on difficult topics and did not ask questions in class. The number of students with good study habits towards Mathematics was 2.8% higher than those with bad study habit. Watching of television was the main challenge to the study of Mathematics at homes. Mathematics Teachers identified inadequate mathematics textbooks, larger class sizes and small time allocation for the Mathematics on the school timetable as a challenge that hinder effective teaching for Mathematics. Students with good study habits performed better in Mathematics than those with bad study habit. The study recommends that parents should be sensitized on when to allow their children to watch television at homes. Students should be encouraged to ask questions in class. Adequate Mathematics textbooks should be provided.