Department of Agricultural Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
Ndirika, M.C., Department of Agricultural Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria; Njoku, U.J., Department of Agricultural Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
This study was conducted to investigate the home influences on the academic performance of agricultural science secondary school students in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. The instrument used in data collection was a validated questionnaire structured on a two point rating scale. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 150 students from nine secondary schools. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics: frequency and mean to investigate the influence of students' participation in practical agriculture at home, students' engagement in extra lessons, parental influence and parents' motivation to their children. Results indicated that involvement in practical agriculture at home, having extra lessons at home, having a reading timetable and enough textbooks, parents checking of their children's school work, prompt payment of school fees and intact family positively affect the academic performance of agricultural science students. Recommendations were made among which is the need for students to be involved in extra lessons at home and in practical agriculture. © Manchester University Press.