The Effects of Home Environment on Students’ Academic Achievement in Selected Ward Secondary Schools in Longido District - Arusha Region

Abstract

This study explored the effects of home environment on students’ academic achievement in selected ward secondary school students at Longido District in Tanzania. Specifically, the study sought to examine the effects of home-work habits on students’ academic achievement across the gender, to explore the degree to which parental support and guidance affect students’ academic achievement. The study employed quantitative methods with some element of qualitative approach for the discussion of results. The study was conducted in four ward secondary schools in Longido district. A total of 144 participants were involved in the study. Categorically, 80 of them were students, 60 were parents and four were secondary school teachers. Data were collected through questionnaire, interview and observation. The study established that students with high degree of homework activities performed poorly in their subjects compared to students with moderate and low homework burden who scored average and high on their academic tasks respectively. Moreover, female students were occupied more with home-work activities before and after school hours compared to male students. It was also found that parents had very little support and guidance towards their children school related activities. It was concluded the home environment exerts significantly influence on students’ performance. In order to improve students’ academic performance, parents should give their children time to study at home by relieving them from burden of home chores.