School Facilities As A Correlate of Academic Achievement of Student in English Language

Abstract

The study sought to find out how school facilities correlate with the academic achievement of the students in English language. Correlational survey design was adopted for the study. The study was carried out in selected public secondary schools in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The population of this study comprised senior secondary two students in Uyo Local Government Area. There are 14 public secondary schools in Uyo Local Government Area and the estimated population of SS2 students was 3162. Simple random sampling technique was used to select eight public secondary schools where 303 SS 2 students were randomly selected for the study. The instrument used in this study for data collection was a questionnaire titled "Students Factors Questionnaire (SFQ)". The instrument was vetted and content validated by the researcher’s supervisor and two lecturers who are experts in language education in the University of Uyo to ensure that the instrument has the accuracy, appropriateness, and completeness for the study under consideration. The reliability coefficient obtained was 0.97, and this was high enough to justify the use of the instrument. The data were analyzed using t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistics analysis. The test for significance was done at 0.05 alpha levels. From the findings and discussions of this study, it was discovered that the more standard school facilities the higher the students’ academic achievement. The nature, condition, adequacy and relevance of school facilities such as library, laboratory, classroom equipment and other conveniences definitely have a direct impact on the learning engagement. That is to say, learning is more effective and rewarding if the learning environment like school has sufficient and standard facilities. Finally, it was concluded that there is no significant relationship between availability of school facilities and academic achievement of students in English Language. One of the recommendations made in the study was that since standard and adequate school facilities or learning facilities (in the form of library, laboratory, and spacious well ventilated and conducive classroom) enhance students’ academic achievement, those facilities should adequately be provided in schools for effective use.