Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol.3, No.13
Publication Date: Dec. 25, 2016
DoI:10.14738/assrj.313.2428.
Uche, R. D. (2016). Some Biographical Variables and School behaviour among Secnodary School Students in Nembe Local
Government Area of Bayelsa State.. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 3(13) 90-98.
Copyright © Society for Science and Education, United Kingdom 90
Some Biographical Variables and School Behaviour among
Secondary School Students i n Nembe Local Government Area of
Bayelsa State
Rachel D. Uche
Department of Educational Foundations, Guidance and Counselling
Faculty of Education, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
Abstract
Non-conforming school behavior seems to be on the increase among adolescents of the
violent conflict-endemic Niger Delta region, where majority of homes have been
described as the poorest of the poor. The study therefore sought to ascertain the level
of influence of some biographical variables on the school behaviour of secondary
school students in Nembe L.G.A. of Bayelsa State. The research design was ex-post
facto, guided by three hypotheses and data collected using questionnaire, administered
on 240 sampled student-respondents. Data analysis was carried out using Independent
t-test and the results indicated (1) statistically significant age-based difference (2) no
statistically significant gender-based difference, and (3) statistically significant
difference in school behaviour based on parental socioeconomic status. Capacity
building and economic empowerment of rural parents, especially the mothers, have
been strongly recommended, to enable them provide adequately for their children who
could then be more scholastically focused and behave responsibly.
Keywords: School behaviour, delinquency, school adjustment, adolescent
INTRODUCTION
The school is known to be one of the major agents of socialization where young ones are sent
by parents and guardians to acquire skills and knowledge in order to develop their potentials
and become productive members of the society. In addition, they also acquire the skill to
interact and relate with their peers, seniors and those in authority over them. In the school
setting, there are rules and regulations of behavior and conduct regarding the acquisition of
the skills and knowledge as well as the relationships and interaction among the students and
between the students and those who have authority over them. Desirable school a behaviour
therefore, consists of actions or conduct that is in line with the stipulated rules and regulations
while behavior that is contrary tantamounts to maladjustment.
Hence, school behaviour refers to students’ actions or inactions with regards to stipulated
school conduct such as, regular school attendance, punctuality, completion of
homework/assignments, good conduct in test and exams, appropriate dressing, respect for
seniors and teachers, peaceful resolution of conflicts, team spirit, non-violence, among others.
However, environmental factors and some biographical variables, including home background
sometimes propel students towards school maladjustment that is often manifested in the form
of absenteeism, truancy, exams/test malpractice, indecent dressing, disrespect for school
authority, bullying, fighting, vandalism, stealing, lying, refusal to do homework/assignment,
among others (Animasahun & Aremu, 2015).