Influence of Study Habit on the Academic Performance of Biology Students in Senior Secondary Schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State

Abstract

The study investigated study habits on academic performance of students in Biology in senior secondary schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis of Rivers State. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. A descriptive research design was used in the study. Two Hundred and fifty (250) students were randomly selected from five secondary schools in Port Harcourt metropolis. Study Habits and Academic Performance Questionnaire (SHAPQ) was the instrument for data collection. The data collected for the studies were analyzed using frequency counts and mean for the research questions. In computing the mean (X), the response alternatives were assigned on a 4-point Likert scale. The scaling point was used to describe the extent to which the respondents perceived each item. Based on the values, the mean (X) was used to determine the acceptance or rejection of the items. Any item with a mean score of 2.50 and above is a benchmark for acceptance. The findings of this study revealed that allocation of study time, note-taking, learning motivation and memorization are variables of study habits that contribute to students’ academic performance in Biology in senior secondary schools in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. It is recommended that Students should be committed to the variables of study habit that will help to improve the study habits of secondary school students on Biology with the help of education Policy makers, Teachers and Parents.