The relationship between self-concept and academic performance among secondary students in Ol-Joro-Orok Division of Nyandarua District, Kenya

Abstract

- Students' academic performance is an issue of paramount importance, in our education systems. Good performance in national examinations is the gateway to higher education satisfying career. A lot of work has been done, and research carried out, to find out the major factors that influence students' academic performance. The issue of academic performance has remained an issue of concern for, students, teachers, parents and education stakeholders. However, the major factors influencing student's academic performance could likely be within the student him/herself. The purpose of this study therefore was to find out the relationship between Self-concept of students and their academic performance. This study was a survey in which 140 students from secondary schools on 01 joro-orok division of Nyandarua District were the respondents. This figure was sampled out from a population of 350 students in form four in secondary schools in the division. Stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain the sample for the study. A self-concept rating scale was used in the collection of required data. Student's academic progress reports were used as source of information on academic performance. Data obtained was quantitative thus inferential statistics that include Karl Pearson Correlation coefficient and t-iest were used. The indicated statistical techniques assisted in testing the significance level of the stated hypotheses. The significance level was set at a=0.05. The analysis was performed using version 11.5 of the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).The study established that there is a significant relationship between student self-concept and academic performance. It therefore recommended that school counselors should organize self-concept enhancement programmes m learning institutions , to help the learners in developing positive self-concepts.