Abstract:
This study was conducted in Aowin District in the Western Region of the Republic
of Ghana. It investigated the socio-economic background of parents in relation to
the academic performance of pupils. A descriptive survey design using mixedmethods
sequential explanatory approach was employed for this study. A
combination of simple random, stratified and convenience sampling methods were
used to select 126 study participants. Questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82) and
semi-structured interview guide were the main research instruments used to collect
data. The quantitative data were analysed and presented in tables as frequencies,
percentages, mean and standard deviation while the qualitative data was analysed
thematically. Inferential statistics was computed using Spearman’s rho correlation
test via Statistical Product for Services Solution (SPSS) software at a significance
level of p ≤ 0.05 using a confidence interval (C.I) of 95%. The study revealed that
the majority (over 50%) of public basic school pupils in the Aowin District were
average and below average academic achievers who came from poor socioeconomic
background. Poor attitudes of parents towards the education of their
wards significantly contributed to poor or low academic performance of the pupils
(p ≤ 0.05). It was recommended, among others, that parents should adequately
provide for the basic and school needs of their wards. They should also motivate
and encourage pupils to always attend school.
Description:
A THESIS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION, FACULTY OF
EDUCATIONAL STUDIES, SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF
GRADUATE STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA, IN
PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF
THE MASTERS OF PHILOSOPHY IN BASIC EDUCATION
DECEMBER, 2017
