Project – Assessment of environmental factors on the academic achievement of undergraduate science education students in Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The impact of environmental factors on the academic achievement of undergraduate science education students in Nigeria has been a subject of considerable research. A study by Ogunniyi (2017) found that the physical learning environment, including the availability of learning resources and the condition of the classroom, significantly influences students’ academic performance. The study further revealed that students in well-equipped and conducive learning environments tend to perform better academically than those in poorly equipped environments.

Another critical environmental factor is the socio-economic status of the students. According to a study by Afolabi and Akinbobola (2019), students from higher socio-economic backgrounds tend to perform better academically than those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. This is because students from higher socio-economic backgrounds often have access to better learning resources and opportunities, which can enhance their academic performance.

The influence of the school environment on students’ academic performance has also been explored. A study by Okebukola (2016) found that the school environment, including the school’s culture, leadership style, and teacher-student relationships, significantly impacts students’ academic performance. The study further revealed that students in schools with a positive and supportive culture tend to perform better academically.

The role of the home environment in students’ academic performance has also been investigated. A study by Ezeudu et al. (2018) found that the home environment, including parental involvement in students’ education, significantly influences students’ academic performance. The study further revealed that students with supportive and involved parents tend to perform better academically.

However, it is important to note that these environmental factors do not operate in isolation. A study by Oyekan (2020) found that these factors often interact to influence students’ academic performance. For example, a student from a low socio-economic background may struggle academically, even in a well-equipped learning environment, due to lack of support at home.

Environmental factors play a significant role in the academic achievement of undergraduate science education students in Nigeria. However, more research is needed to understand how these factors interact and how they can be manipulated to enhance students’ academic performance.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem statement for the assessment of environmental factors on the academic achievement of undergraduate science education students in Nigeria is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive understanding of the various elements involved. The first issue is the lack of adequate research on the impact of environmental factors on academic achievement. This gap in knowledge makes it difficult to develop effective strategies to improve the academic performance of students in science education.

Secondly, the environmental factors that may affect academic achievement are diverse and multifaceted. They include physical factors such as the quality of the learning environment, availability of learning resources, and the geographical location of the institution. Socio-economic factors such as family income, parental education level, and societal attitudes towards education also play a significant role. These factors can either enhance or hinder the academic achievement of students, and their impact varies from one individual to another.

Thirdly, the curriculum and teaching methods used in science education in Nigeria may not be adequately adapted to the local environment. This could lead to a disconnect between what is taught in the classroom and the realities of the students’ environment, thereby affecting their understanding and assimilation of the subject matter.

Fourthly, there is the issue of the students’ personal attitudes and perceptions towards their environment. Some students may view their environment as a hindrance to their academic achievement, while others may see it as a source of motivation. These attitudes and perceptions can significantly influence their academic performance.

Fifthly, there is a lack of effective policies and interventions to address the impact of environmental factors on academic achievement. While some policies and interventions may exist, they may not be adequately implemented or may not address the specific needs of science education students.

Lastly, there is the issue of the lack of awareness among stakeholders, including students, parents, educators, and policymakers, about the impact of environmental factors on academic achievement. This lack of awareness can lead to a lack of action or ineffective action in addressing the problem. Therefore, there is a need for more research and awareness-raising on this issue to inform effective strategies and interventions.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the assessment of environmental factors on the academic achievement of undergraduate science education students in Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To evaluate the impact of environmental factors such as noise, light, and temperature on the academic performance of students.
2. To determine the extent to which classroom environment influences the academic achievement of undergraduate science education students.
3. To assess the relationship between home environment and the academic performance of undergraduate science education students.
4. To investigate the influence of school facilities and resources on the academic achievement of undergraduate students.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. How do environmental factors such as noise, light, and temperature impact the academic performance of students?
2. To what extent does the classroom environment influence the academic achievement of undergraduate science education students?
3. What is the relationship between the home environment and the academic performance of undergraduate science education students?
4. How do school facilities and resources influence the academic achievement of undergraduate students?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Environmental factors has no significant impact on the academic performance of students.

H1: Environmental factors has significant impact on the academic performance of students

• Significance of the Study

The significance of assessing the impact of environmental factors on the academic achievement of undergraduate science education students in Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State, cannot be overstated. This study is crucial as it seeks to understand the extent to which environmental factors such as noise, light, and temperature can affect the academic performance of students. By understanding these factors, we can create an optimal learning environment that promotes academic success.

This study is also significant as it can provide valuable insights to the university administration. The findings can guide the university in making informed decisions about infrastructure development, such as improving ventilation, lighting, and noise control in classrooms and study areas. This could potentially lead to an improvement in the overall academic performance of students.

Furthermore, the study can be beneficial to educators and lecturers. Understanding the impact of environmental factors on student performance can help them adapt their teaching methods and strategies to suit the learning environment. This could lead to more effective teaching and learning processes, thereby improving the quality of education provided.

The study also holds significance for the students themselves. By understanding how their academic performance can be influenced by their environment, students can make necessary adjustments to their study habits and routines. This could lead to improved focus, productivity, and ultimately, better academic performance.

Additionally, the study can contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the subject. It can provide empirical evidence on the relationship between environmental factors and academic performance, which can be useful for future research in this area. This could potentially lead to the development of new theories and models on the subject.

Lastly, the study can have implications for policy-making in the education sector. The findings can inform policies aimed at improving the learning environment in universities, which can ultimately lead to improved academic outcomes for students. This can contribute to the overall goal of enhancing the quality of higher education in Edo State and beyond.

• Scope of the Study

The study examines assessment of environmental factors on the academic achievement of undergraduate science education students in Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State.

• Operational Definition of Terms

Assessment: Assessment refers to the process of evaluating or measuring a person’s knowledge, skills, or abilities in a particular subject or area.

Environmental factors: Environmental factors are external influences that can impact an individual’s behavior, development, or well-being. These factors can include physical surroundings, social relationships, cultural influences, and more.

Academic achievement: Academic achievement refers to a student’s success in their educational pursuits, typically measured by grades, test scores, and other indicators of learning and performance.

Undergraduate: An undergraduate student is someone who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a college or university.

Science education: Science education is the field of study that focuses on teaching and learning scientific concepts, principles, and practices.

Student: A student is a person who is enrolled in a course of study at a school, college, or university.

University: A university is an institution of higher education that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study.

Project – Assessment of environmental factors on the academic achievement of undergraduate science education students in Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State