Learning Environment and Peer Pressure as Correlates of Academic Aspirations among Senior Secondary School Students in Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VIII, August 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Learning Environment and Peer Pressure as Correlates of Academic Aspirations among Senior Secondary School Students in Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Dr Dorcas Oluremi FAREO
Department of Educational Foundations, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Nigeria

Abstract: – The study investigated the learning environment and peer pressure as correlates of academic aspirations among senior secondary school students in Mubi North local Government Area, Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The population of the study comprised of secondary school students in Mubi North Local Government. A sample size of 400 students was chosen from four secondary schools by stratified sampling technique. A questionnaire titled “Learning Environment and Peer Pressure Questionnaire” (LEPPQ) was adapted from Shamaki (2015) and Jack and Gamnajoh (2017). The instrument was validated by an expert in Guidance and Counselling from the Department of Science Education. The reliability value was calculated using Kudder-Richardson formular (KR-21) which yielded a reliability co-efficient of 0.88. Data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Four research questions and two hypotheses were raised to guide the study. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that the environmental factors that influence learning Biology include classroom brightness, classroom painting, dilapidated classrooms, classrooms with no ventilation, sitting arrangement and lack of seats. The study also revealed that the effects of learning environment on academic performance includes loss of interests in Biology lessons, poor performance, obstruction of the view of the board, and distractions. The way peer pressure influences learning Biology include punctuality to class, through competition, studying together, disturbance in class and helping with academic difficulties. Effects of peer pressure on academic performance include improving or worsening academic performance. The findings of the study showed that there is a significant relationship between peer pressure and academic achievement; and that there is a significant difference between the academic achievement of male and female students. It was recommended that government should improve the condition of classrooms by providing electric fittings besides renovations of schools and students should endeavour to form or join groups that are study inclined so that learning would be effective and instructional materials.

Keywords: Learning environment; peer pressure; academic achievement; quality of teachers;

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