Exploring the factors that contribute to truancy among junior high school students in the Bantama circuit

Abstract

Truancy has become a burden in schools plaguing the lives and education of students who fall victim. It is indeed a syndrome that has become deep seated and perpetuating. Various factors contribute to its occurrence. This study therefore was undertaken to investigate the causes of student’s truancy in junior high schools, ascertain its effect on their lives and to determine the measures needed to control it. The study used quantitative research methods. The target population of the study comprised the teachers and students from junior high schools in the Bantama Circuit of the Kumasi Metropolis. Samples of 50 teachers were selected using the purposive sampling technique. This study used questionnaires as instrument for data collection. The study revealed that primarily, single parenthood arising from broken homes was the likely cause of students’ truancy. It was clear however that, the failure of students to perform respectably in school was mostly attributable to truancy. In the light of this, it was beyond question that truancy has the potential to lead into crook ways of life, social deviants or educational failure. Appropriate measures like good relationships between the school, parents and community therefore are needed to control this educational and social challenge. The study recommended that, effective monitoring and control team must be constituted on campus by the school authorities to check truancy. This will put some fear in students who intend to misbehave. Again, good relationships must be established between the school, parents and community such that collaborative efforts can be garnered to fight truancy, both in the school and at home.