A SURVEY OF CLASS SIZE, SCHOOL LOCATION AND PERFORMANCE OF GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BOSSO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, IN MINNA.

Abstract

The study looked at the location and class size of schools as it relates to academic performance of students in Bosso Local government Area in Minna Niger State of Nigeria between 2018 and 2021. The study population was results of their termly exams conducted between 2018 and 2021 in 6 selected secondary schools in both rural and urban areas of the local government. Two hypotheses was formulated and answered. Chi-Square test and descriptive statistics of percentage was used to analyse data collected and hypothesis formulated. The results showed the p-values of advisory scales (0.05) are less than 5% are less than 5% level of significance level (0.05), the null hypothesis. There is no significant relationship between class size and student performance is therefore rejected, while the alternative hypothesis is accepted in other words, the study accepts the alternative hypothesis and rejects the null hypothesis and the P-values of advisory scales (0.05) are less than 5% level significance level (0.05), the null hypothesis There is no significant relationship between School location and student performance is therefore rejected, while alternative hypothesis is accepted. In other words, the study accepts the alternative hypothesis and rejects the null hypothesis. The study has proven that Academic performance of students is significantly influenced by their class size with smaller classes performing better than their equivalent in the larger classes and Location of school has significant influence on the student’s academic performance with the schools located in rural areas recording lower grades than their equivalent in the urban areas. It recommended the results of the influence of class size on the academic performance of secondary schools students, and the facts that small classes have some advantages; it is recommended that schools should stick to the 40:1 students – teacher ratio as stipulated by the National Policy on Education. Class management and control is easier to achieve in a smaller class which goes a long way to determine the outcome of the learning and Class size require more facilities, therefore stakeholders should endeavor to provide required facilities and instructional materials for the teaching and learning the schools.