Project – Factors Contributing to the High Academic Performance of Student of St James Seminary Senior High School in Core Mathematics.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

St. James Seminary Senior High School has consistently been recognized for its high academic performance, particularly in Core Mathematics. Several factors contribute to this success, including a rigorous curriculum, highly qualified teachers, and a supportive learning environment. The school’s curriculum is designed to challenge students and foster a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. This is supported by a study by Hattie (2009), which found that a challenging curriculum is one of the most significant factors in student achievement.

Another key factor is the quality of the school’s teachers. According to a report by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2018), effective mathematics teachers have a deep understanding of the subject matter and can convey complex ideas in a way that students can understand. At St. James Seminary Senior High School, teachers are not only well-versed in their subject matter, but they also employ innovative teaching methods to engage students and stimulate their interest in mathematics.

The school’s learning environment also plays a crucial role in its students’ academic performance. A conducive learning environment, characterized by a positive school culture, supportive relationships, and adequate resources, can significantly enhance students’ academic outcomes (Barile et al., 2012). St. James Seminary Senior High School provides such an environment, which encourages students to strive for academic excellence.

Moreover, the school’s emphasis on discipline and hard work is another contributing factor. A study by Duckworth and Seligman (2005) found that self-discipline is a better predictor of academic performance than IQ. St. James Seminary Senior High School instills discipline in its students, which helps them to stay focused and committed to their studies.

Furthermore, parental involvement is another factor that contributes to the high academic performance of students at St. James Seminary Senior High School. According to a study by Jeynes (2007), parental involvement in a child’s education can lead to higher academic achievement. The school encourages parents to take an active role in their children’s education, which helps to reinforce the importance of academic success.

The high academic performance of students at St. James Seminary Senior High School in Core Mathematics can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a rigorous curriculum, highly qualified teachers, a conducive learning environment, discipline, and parental involvement. These factors work together to create a learning environment that fosters academic excellence and prepares students for future success.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem statement for the research on the factors contributing to the high academic performance of students of St. James Seminary Senior High School in Core Mathematics is as follows:

The first issue to address is the identification of the specific factors that contribute to the high academic performance of these students. Several studies have suggested that factors such as the quality of teaching, the school environment, and the students’ personal motivation can significantly impact academic performance (Hattie, 2009). However, there is a lack of specific research focusing on St. James Seminary Senior High School and its success in Core Mathematics.

Secondly, the role of the school’s curriculum and teaching methods in the students’ performance in Core Mathematics is unclear. Some researchers argue that a rigorous curriculum and effective teaching methods are key to high academic performance (Marzano, 2003). However, it is necessary to investigate how these factors are implemented at St. James Seminary Senior High School and how they contribute to the students’ success in Core Mathematics.

Thirdly, the influence of the students’ personal characteristics and home environment on their academic performance is another area that needs exploration. Previous research has shown that factors such as parental involvement, students’ attitudes towards learning, and their study habits can significantly affect academic performance (Jeynes, 2007). However, the extent to which these factors contribute to the high performance of St. James Seminary Senior High School students in Core Mathematics is unknown.

Fourthly, the impact of the school’s resources on the students’ performance in Core Mathematics is another issue that needs to be addressed. Some studies suggest that access to quality educational resources can enhance students’ academic performance (Hanushek, 1997). However, the specific resources available at St. James Seminary Senior High School and their role in the students’ high performance in Core Mathematics have not been thoroughly investigated.

Fifthly, the role of peer influence on the students’ performance in Core Mathematics is another area that requires further research. Some studies suggest that peer influence can significantly affect students’ academic performance (Ryan, 2001). However, the extent to which this factor contributes to the high performance of St. James Seminary Senior High School students in Core Mathematics is unclear.

Lastly, the influence of the school’s leadership and management on the students’ performance in Core Mathematics is another issue that needs to be addressed. Some research suggests that effective school leadership and management can enhance students’ academic performance (Leithwood, 2004). However, the specific leadership and management practices at St. James Seminary Senior High School and their impact on the students’ high performance in Core Mathematics have not been thoroughly investigated.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine factors Contributing to the High Academic Performance of Student of St James Seminary Senior High School in Core Mathematics. The specific objectives are:

1. To identify the teaching methods employed by the mathematics faculty at St. James Seminary Senior High School that contribute to high academic performance.
2. To examine the role of the school environment in fostering academic excellence in core mathematics among students at St. James Seminary Senior High School.
3. To investigate the influence of parental involvement and support on the students’ performance in core mathematics.
4. To evaluate the correlation between students’ study habits and their performance in core mathematics at St. James Seminary Senior High School.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What teaching methods are employed by the mathematics faculty at St. James Seminary Senior High School that contribute to high academic performance?
2. How does the school environment foster academic excellence in core mathematics among students at St. James Seminary Senior High School?
3. What is the influence of parental involvement and support on the students’ performance in core mathematics at St. James Seminary Senior High School?
4. Is there a correlation between students’ study habits and their performance in core mathematics at St. James Seminary Senior High School??

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Parental involvement and support have no significant impact on students’ performance in core mathematics.

H1: Parental involvement and support have significant impact on students’ performance in core mathematics.

• Significance of the Study

The study of the factors contributing to the high academic performance of students at St. James Seminary Senior High School in Core Mathematics holds significant value in several ways. Firstly, it provides an in-depth understanding of the teaching methods employed by the mathematics faculty at the school. This could serve as a model for other schools striving to improve their students’ performance in mathematics. The findings could also be used to train new teachers or for professional development of existing teachers, thereby enhancing the overall quality of mathematics education.

Secondly, the study sheds light on the role of the school environment in fostering academic excellence. This could help school administrators and policymakers to create conducive learning environments that promote academic success. The study could also provide insights into how the physical and psychological aspects of the school environment can be optimized to enhance students’ learning experiences and outcomes.

Thirdly, the study investigates the influence of parental involvement and support on students’ performance in mathematics. This could help parents understand the importance of their role in their children’s academic success and encourage them to be more involved in their children’s education. It could also guide schools in developing strategies to engage parents more effectively.

Fourthly, the study evaluates the correlation between students’ study habits and their performance in mathematics. This could help students understand the importance of good study habits and motivate them to adopt effective study strategies. It could also guide teachers and parents in supporting students to develop good study habits.

Fifthly, the study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on academic performance in mathematics. It could serve as a reference for future research in this area and could be used to inform educational policies and practices.

Lastly, the findings of the study could have implications beyond the context of St. James Seminary Senior High School. They could be applicable to other schools and educational contexts, thereby benefiting a larger population of students, teachers, parents, and educators.

• Scope of the Study

The study examines the factors Contributing to the High Academic Performance of Student of St James Seminary Senior High School in Core Mathematics in Accra Ghana.

• Operational Definition of Terms

“Factors” refers to elements or circumstances that contribute to a particular outcome or situation. They can be internal or external and can have either a positive or negative impact.

“Contributing” is the act of giving or adding to something in order to help achieve or maintain something. In this context, it refers to the elements or circumstances that are helping to achieve high academic performance.

“High Academic Performance” refers to the achievement of high grades or scores in academic pursuits. It is often measured through assessments, exams, and continuous evaluation. High academic performance is indicative of a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to apply this knowledge effectively.

“Student” is an individual who is engaged in learning, typically within an educational institution such as a school or university. In this context, it refers to the individuals enrolled at St. James Seminary Senior High School.

“High School” is an educational institution that typically serves students from grades 9 through 12, preparing them for college or university. It is the stage of education following primary school and preceding higher education.

“Core Mathematics” refers to the foundational and essential aspects of mathematics education. This typically includes areas such as algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics. Core mathematics provides the necessary skills and knowledge for advanced study in various fields and for everyday life.

Project – Factors Contributing to the High Academic Performance of Student of St James Seminary Senior High School in Core Mathematics.