Academic Distractions and Students’ Attitude towards Learning in a Nigerian University

Abstract

The main purpose of the study is to find out the factors influencing academic distractions on students’ attitude towards learning in University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Four research questions and hypotheses were formulated based on the variables of the study. The research design of the study was descriptive survey. The study was conducted in University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Simple random technique was used in selecting three hundred (300) undergraduate students from the campus that runs a full time programme. Fifty from Faculty of Environmental Studies, Fifty from Faculty of Business Administration, Fifty from Faculty of Education, Fifty from Faculty of Social Sciences, Fifty from Faculty of Engineering and Fifty from Faculty of Science. A structured questionnaire titled ‘students’ academic distractions and attitude towards learning questionnaire’ (SADATLQ) was used to collect data for the study. Data generated were analyzed using Mean and Standard Deviation for answering the research questions while Independent T-test was used in testing the hypotheses. The findings revealed that, use of social media, gambling, peer group, and frequently listening to music by students’ influence students’ attitude towards learning in University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study concluded by recommending among many others that, Orientation officers should on the day of interactive sessions with the students encourage the students to make friends with other students that will help in promoting positive attitude towards learning.