FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDENTS’ POOR PERFORMANCES IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXAMINATIONS IN SOME SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IKPOBA-OKHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the factors influencing students’ poor performances in English Language Examinations in some selected secondary schools in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. The design adopted for this study was the descriptive survey research method. Five research questions were raised to guide this study. The population of the study was a total number of all secondary schools in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. The sample size for this study was a total number of hundred (120) students adopting the purposive sampling method. The data retrieved from respondents after sampling was analyzed by the use of a Computer Statistical Tool (SPSS), and the results were displayed on tables using frequency and percentage to represent the data. From the findings of the study, it was revealed that the academic performances of students are affected by mother tongue interference. Also, it was concluded from findings that continuous poor performance in English language examinations can reduce motivation among students to learn. It was therefore recommended that teachers should apply good teaching approaches in order to boost the motivation of students in learning English Language in secondary schools. It was also recommended that schools in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area should ensure they enforce speaking of English Language only so that the failure rate as perceived by students would be reduced drastically.