Influence of Family Dynamics on Academic Achievement of Secondary School Students in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State

Abstract

The study investigated influence of family dynamics on academic achievement of secondary school students in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Four research questions and four hypotheses guided this study. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study is all secondary school students in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The sample size for the study was 200 students drawn from the population of the study with simple random sampling technique. The instrument for the study was Family Dynamics Scale (FDS) and English and Mathematics Achievement Test (EMAT). The validity of the instruments was established using experts’ judgement. Reliability of the instruments were tested using Cronbach alpha method for internal
consistency. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research question, t-test was used to test the hypotheses postulation. The findings of the study revealed that family types, socio-economic status, parenting styles and parents’ level of education significantly
influence academic achievement among secondary school students in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Finally, it was recommended amongst others, that schools should encourage regular communication between teachers and parents to monitor student progress, offer guidance, and reinforce positive learning environments both at school and home.