HOME RELATED FACTORS AND ITS INFLUENCE ON LEARNING AMONG STUDENTS IN THE AWUTU-SENYA AND EFFUTU EDUCATIONAL DISTRICTS

The state of the home influences the development and learning of every child in diverse ways. This study sought to investigate how home related factors such as learning resources like television, radio set among others influence students’ success in schools. A cross sectional survey and multi-site case study design was adopted in carrying out this study. The population of the study was made up of school officials, students and parents. A sample size of 331 was used. The sample was selected by using purposive, quota, convenient and random sampling techniques. The data collection instruments were questionnaire, semi-structured interview schedules and focus group discussions. The instruments were pilot tested to ensure they were reliable. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in presenting the data. The study found that the learning environment provided by parents at home determines the academic achievements of students. The study revealed that some students did not have basic things such as tables, chairs and a place to study at home. Some students indicated that the learning facilities at home were provided by both parents. Further findings indicated that some students were over-burdened with household chores which affected their learning at home. When the hypothesis was tested the statistics revealed that the correlation was statistically significant (p<.001). The researcher recommends that parents should make sure they create an enabling learning environment at home to enhance students’ success levels in schools.