CLASS CONTROL AS PREDICTOR OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN MATHEMATICS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IMO STATE

Abstract

Understanding the predictive value of class control on academic achievement of students will facilitate increase in learning outcomes especially in the core subjects. Thus, this study examined classroom design as a predictor of academic achievement of students in public secondary schools in Imo State. The study was guided by one research question and one hypothesis tested at 0.05 significance level. Correlation research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 612 Mathematics teachers in the three education zones of Imo State. Proportionate stratified random sampling techniques was used to draw 40% samples from each of the three education zones, totaling a sample size of 245 mathematics teachers representing the entire population. Self-structured Class Control Questionnaire (CCQ) and Students Mathematics Achievement Test (SMAT) obtained from cumulative scores result broadsheets were used to collect data for the study. The instrument on Class Control Questionnaire (CCQ) was validated by three experts in the Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and the reliability to ascertain the consistency of the instrument was established using Chronbach alpha reliability index which yielded a coefficient of 0.86 and was considered fit for the study.  Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Regression Statistics were utilized for data analysis. The p-value was used to determine the predictive value at 0.05 level of significance for the hypothesis. The findings of the study showed that class control has a high substantial predictive value and also significantly predicted academic achievement of students in Mathematics in public secondary schools in Imo State. Based on the findings, the study amongst others recommended that school administrators should encourage the teachers to adopt proper class control strategies to maintain a conducive learning atmosphere devoid of disruptive behaviours.