Investigation into the phenomenon of truancy at the Techiman Islamic Junior High School

Abstract

This study explored the phenomenon of truancy at the Techiman Islamic Junior High School, focusing on its underlying causes, its effects on students’ academic outcomes and educational attainment, and strategies for addressing it. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The study population comprised all students and teaching staff of the school. A sample of 97 students was selected through stratified and simple random sampling, while 10 teachers and a headteacher were purposively chosen for interviews. In addition, five focus group discussions, each consisting of six to eight students, were conducted to capture collective experiences and insights. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, a semi-structured interview guide, and a focus group discussion guide. The reliability of the questionnaire was established with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.76, indicating acceptable internal consistency. The findings revealed that truancy is driven by multiple factors, including financial hardship, parental neglect, household responsibilities, uninspiring teaching methods, and peer influence. Truancy was also shown to negatively affect students’ academic performance, leading to poor assessment results, reduced classroom engagement, and in some cases, long-term academic failure and dropout. To mitigate these challenges, students, teachers, and community stakeholders suggested interventions such as free school meals, financial and material support for needy students, strengthened guidance and counselling, more engaging teaching approaches, and enhanced parental and community involvement. The study concludes that truancy is a multifaceted problem shaped by socio-economic, institutional, and personal factors. It recommends a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach involving schools, families, and communities to reduce absenteeism and improve educational outcomes in Ghanaian junior high schools.