Parental socio-economic background and its influence on Junior High School pupils’ academic performance in the Aowin District of Ghana

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.