EXPLORATION OF LEARNING TECHNIQUES ON IMPROVING THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.

Abstract

This study explored three major learning techniques (rereading, distributed practice and self-explanation techniques) and its influence on improving the academic performance of Junior Secondary school students. The study was guided by four (4) research hypothesis. The design adopted for this study was experimental design. Purposive sampling technique was used to selected Demonstration Secondary school because of the school‟s population; ninety-six (96) JSS two students across three (3) arms were selected for the study. Each arm was first taught how to use a learning technique each. The students were pre-tested before being taught a topic on „the solar system‟ and a post-test was conducted after two (2) weeks and graded equally by the researcher. The data collected was successfully analysed using T-test and one-way ANCOVA.

The result indicated that the use of learning techniques does not have any negative impact on students' academic performance rather, if well used can contribute to enhance students' performance on both immediate and delayed test. The results indicated that students from the rereading technique group performed significantly higher than those in the self-explanation group. A number of recommendations were made towards the enlightenment of students, teachers, parents, and government on the impact of learning techniques on students' academic performance.