CLASS SIZE AND STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NSIT IBOM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, AKWA IBOM STATE

Project Abstract

This research project aimed to investigate the relationship between class size and students' academic performance in agricultural science in selected secondary schools in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. The study utilized a quantitative research design, specifically a correlational research design, to examine the impact of class size on students' academic achievement in agricultural science. The population of the study comprised students in agricultural science classes in selected secondary schools in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area. A sample size of 200 students was selected using simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through the administration of questionnaires to both students and teachers, focusing on class sizes and academic performance. The findings of the study revealed a significant relationship between class size and students' academic performance in agricultural science. The results indicated that smaller class sizes were associated with higher academic performance among students. Students in smaller classes exhibited better understanding of agricultural science concepts, higher grades, and increased participation in class activities. Furthermore, the study found that teachers in smaller classes were able to provide more individualized attention to students, offer personalized feedback, and create a conducive learning environment that promoted academic success. On the contrary, students in larger classes experienced challenges such as limited teacher-student interactions, decreased engagement, and lower academic performance in agricultural science. Based on the findings, it is recommended that policymakers and educational stakeholders consider reducing class sizes in agricultural science classes to improve students' academic performance. Smaller class sizes can enhance students' learning experiences, increase teacher effectiveness, and ultimately lead to better academic outcomes in agricultural science. Additionally, teachers should be provided with professional development opportunities to effectively manage diverse class sizes and cater to the individual learning needs of students. In conclusion, this study contributes to the existing literature on the relationship between class size and academic performance, particularly in the context of agricultural science education. By emphasizing the importance of class size in students' learning outcomes, educators and policymakers can implement strategies to create optimal learning environments that support students' academic success in agricultural science.

Project Overview

<p> </p><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p><strong>1.1 &nbsp; Background to the Study</strong></p><p>With the introduction of free and <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.modishproject.com/implementing-free-compulsory-education/">compulsory Education</a>&nbsp;in the state, there is a tremendous increase in school enrollment. This has a consequential impact on class size with many children vying for the few places available in our educational institutions. This situation led to over sized schools with over-sized classes. This is with the attendant problems of inadequate facilities, instructional materials and supporting personnel. Class size is considered therefore as the total number of students in a class at a given time (Udo, 2006).</p><p>The National Policy on Education (2004) views class size as the population of a given class in terms of number of students and recommends a normal class size of 25 learners to one teacher, (ie. 25:1). This is hardly achievable in Nigerian public secondary schools. Duyilemi (2003) stated that some teachers put it as ranging from 50 and above per class. Class size may therefore be a singular problem with contributory factors such as increase in the teacher’s work load, inadequate facilities, lack of adequate space, high level of indiscipline and their resulting psychological and physiological consequences on students’ academic performance.</p><p>However, the total number in any given class has a great effect on the academic performance of students in any examination. This is because if the number is less, greater attention will be given to the students in the class by the teacher but when the population is much, the teacher will not be able to give good attention to the students while teaching.</p><p>Anderson (2002) pointed out that in examination, if an individual is not influenced by fear or other external influences (class size) the individual would always produce consistent action or behaviour which will reflect his/her attitude towards the object of interest. The author observed that over crowding accounts for the cause of poor performance in examination.</p><p>It is on this ground that this research is undertaken to ascertain the influence of class size on students’ performance among secondary school students in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.</p><p><strong>1.2 &nbsp; Statement of the Problem</strong></p><p>The level of students’ academic performance as a result of class size in public secondary schools has been dwindling due to the population of students. The academic performance of students in public secondary schools has been faced with series of problems; one of which is the large class size. The issue of class size in increasingly becoming a subject of concern and controversy among educators. Many people feel that with so many students now enrolled in our public secondary schools, the qualitative education advocated for in the National Policy on Education (2004) may be difficult to achieve because the larger the class, the more difficult it becomes to control and consequently a poor overall output.</p><p>It is against this background that a study like this becomes necessary to ascertain the influence of class size on students’ academic performance in Agricultural Science in selected secondary schools in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, with a view to suggesting measures that will help improve the situation.</p> <br><p></p>