ABSTRACT: This research work examined the influence of study habits on the academic performance of students in business studies. The study was carried out in four public secondary schools. An expo-facto research design was used for the study. The sample size of the study comprised of two hundred junior secondary two students selected from the schools using simple random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection were structured questionnaire and raw scores of students in Business Studies as developed by the researcher. Three hypotheses were formulated to give the study a direction. Literature review was undertaken on the related variables of the study. The data obtained were analyzed with independent t-test statistical method and the results of the finding were also discussed.
the influence of study habits on the academic performance of students in business studies
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Habit is a second nature. It is the routine of a person, that is, what he or she does in every condition. It cannot be changed and it may be good or bad. A habit is essentially something that is done on a scheduled, regular, planned basis. Education helps the learners in the development of self-concepts and attainment of knowledge through efficient habits of studying. Study habits are patterns of behavior adopted by students in the pursuit of their studies which serves as a vehicle of learning. This habits cut across many different skills such as time management, self-discipline, concentration and creative thinking. Without it, one does not grow but become self-limiting in life.
Irving (2005) believes that as learning tendencies study habits enable individuals to work privately or co-operatively. They are measured directly through reports, test, assessment, examination and ratings. He outlines the benefits of developing on good study habit thus:It helps the student to be academically focused, it enables the students to use his time wisely and profitably, it builds up the character and personality of the student, it widens the knowledge base of the student, it helps to improve the overall performance of students in school work.
Oyechere (2004) argues that education is indispensable in the development of a learner. The acquisition of information and the way one responds to learning environment makes him a holistic learner. One of the purpose of education is to train learners on how to grow independently, find solutions to problems and also, apply what they learnt to real life situations. In this way, a learner cannot learn simply by being told what to do or by watching others, he or she has to practice and do it frequently.
Study habits in a student’s life plays a vital role in their academic success because without studies, no one can be truly successful. Efficient study habit are often associated with a favorable attitude toward learning in particular and school in general. Such attitude is distributed to the value a student sees in what he has to learn.
This underscores the fact that students need to know that what they are studying is indeed of real significance today depends upon the learner’s ability to schedule his time, plan his study, concentrate in class, take notes, review previous lessons and make wide consultations. In other words, it is only when students imbibe proper habits in their studies that their scholastic achievement can improve considerably. Thus, it is against this belief that the present research has as its main thrust the influence of study habits on the academic performance of students in Business Studies.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The ability to study effectively is important for students’ success in all school subjects, including Business Studies. Many students usually experience frustration and even failure, not because they lack capacity but because they do not have adequate study skills. In Nigeria, many factors have been identified to effect the ability of students to cultivate good study habits. These include state of health, self-motivation, anxiety and emotion, socio-economic status, learning environment, availability of textbooks, among others (Ichado, 2008).
the influence of study habits on the academic performance of students in business studies
The researcher has observed from classroom visitation that most secondary school students can only read and write but cannot think and reason logically. Some can only memories and write same in examination what the teacher had taught them. In other cases, some of them do not have the recommended textbook and writing materials. Worse still, many spent most of their time playing in the class believing that examination period is the best time to study. Little wonder, majority of them come out with poor results in Business Studies.
Consequently, the ugly scenario has prompted the researcher to ask pertinent questions such as how does study habits affect the performance of student in Business Studies. Does the Business Studies performance of students who study alone differ from those who study in groups? What role does the school library play in improving the performance of students in Business Studies?
