INFLUENCE OF OVERCROWDED CLASSROOM ON PUPILS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN IDEMILI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the influence of overcrowded classroom on pupils’ academic achievement in public primary schools in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Three research questions were answered and one null hypothesis was tested at.05 level of significance. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 361 teachers and 45 head teachers working in the forty-five public primary schools in the local government area. A sample size of 180 study participants, made up of 30 head teachers and 150 teachers were selected for the study using simple random sampling technique. A four point rating scale questionnaires containing 15 items tagged “Overcrowded Classroom Questionnaire” OCQ was used for data collection. Analysis was done using mean scores and t-test. Findings revealed that overcrowded classrooms have negative influence on pupils’ academic achievement and that inadequate school facilities is also a negative factor influencing pupils’ academic achievement. Result of the study revealed that there is no significant difference between the mean responses of head-teachers and other teachers on the influence of overcrowded classroom on pupils’ academic achievement. Based on the findings, the researchers concluded that class size is an important factor in determining pupils’ academic achievement in classrooms. It was recommended among others that the school management should adhere strictly to the recommended pupils-teacher ratio and employ more teachers as well as create more class out of large ones to help reduce overcrowding in school. Furthermore, governments at all levels should provide more facilities in public schools to enhance pupils’ academic achievement.