School Discipline And Academic Performance In Social Studies Among Secondary School Students In South South Educational Zone, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated school discipline and academic performance in social studies among secondary school students in South South Educational Zone, Nigeria. The study tested three null hypotheses, collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Purposive sampling technique was adopted to select a sample of 200 students, from a population of 4,320 junior secondary school students in the area. The instruments used for data collection was a questionnaire and social studies achievement test that were designed and administered by the researcher. The null hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance using Independent t-test statistical technique. Findings from the study revealed that, time management, administration of punishment and administration or school rules and regulations significantly influence secondary school students’ academic performance in social studies in South South Educational Zone respectively. It was thus concluded that time management, administration of punishment and administration of school rules and regulations significantly influence secondary students’ academic performance in social studies. It was recommended that, secondary school students should endeavour to manage their time properly by developing a personal timetable that will incorporate all their domestic, school and leisure activities; and corporal punitive measures such as manual labour and use of cane should not be employed in administering punishment to students.