Counselling services and academic performance of students in English language in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the problem of failure in English language still prevalent among Nigerian students, despite the number of years English language has been in existence in Nigeria. A quasi experimental design was adopted to test the three postulated hypotheses carried out in three stages using intact groups. The population comprised Junior Secondary school three students in all public schools in Umuahia North local government area of Abia State. The researcher used a researcher – made 48-item instrument on Counselling services and students’ Academic Performance Questionnaire validated by three experts. The reliability co-efficient was established at .87, it was analyzed and interpreted using analysis of co-variance (ANCOVA) statistical tool. The findings indicated that counselling improves students’ academic performance in English Language. It was recommended that Schools should always employ counsellors readily equipped to carry out their statutory functions, in order to help students perform better in English language. There is need for media awareness on the need to improve English Language through proper counselling. Students should seek counselling not only when confused about subject combinations, but also with help in improving their academic performance in subject areas, especially English language. Lastly, The government at all levels- Federal, state and Local governments, the federal and state ministries of education and other educational stakeholders should set up machineries to ensure that all these improvement strategies are put into work and monitored for effectiveness.

Keywords: Counselling Services; Academic Performance