THE IMPACT OF TRUANT BEHAVIOUR ON THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT  OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN MATHEMATICS

CHAPTER ONE
                                                          INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Mathematics is the study of number and space, it is the language of the new millennium (Peter, 2000). It is the queen of science and technology, also an instrument for scientific and technical growth (Agwagah, 2000). No Nation can progress scientifically and technical without solid foundation in school mathematics (Okafor, 2005).  In recent years, for instance, there had been critiques in public places, and in news publications over the low quality of achievement in mathematics in our schools’ notable among the critics are the teachers and parents(Agwagah, 2000). The critics are particularly concerned with the teaching of fundamental mathematics in our schools. They say that most student who have successfully finished secondary school education typically failed mathematics. However, from the view point of national interest a far more significant repercussions of the failure of the pupils to succeed in mathematics effectively is in respect to scientific and technical development that we very much seek in the fulfillment of Millennium Development Goal. We need many skilled physicians, engineers, agricultural scientists, economists, computer programmers and maths instructors(Ugochi, 2010). All these professionals require basic studies in mathematics up to advanced level before they may specialize in these fields(Peter, 2000). According to Oxford advanced learning dictionary; truancy is an act or circumstance being away without permission. Acccording to Merriam (2012),  truancy is an act or occurrence of playing truant: the condition of being truancy (the California lawmakers view truancy in very exact words) (the California legislature view truancy in very precise language). In summary it specifies that a kid missing more than 30 minutes of instruction without an excuse three times during the school year shall be categorized as a truancy.  According to Sherilyn (2011), that taught  three are numerous explanation of truancy and this has been on of the biggest problems in Nigeria and it is severely influencing the future of the kids. Absence rates have risen as high as 30 percent in certain schools and it is tough for the instructors to do something about this. And this impacts not just the students but their families as well. Consequences are varied as well if they miss to many lessons they will not be able to congratulate on time and they will fall behind their peers and this will affect not only their self-esteem but several other things (Merriam, 2014). All this can improve if teachers together with parents establish solid strategy to interest children who is skipping courses to go back to school. This may be done through discussing and learning about children interests surrounding the school. In places like Ago Ika, Lafenwa, Ita Oshin students  run away from school which bring researchers closer to the problem, to find out the consequences of truancy.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM  

The high prevalence of truancy in town begs for attention (Peter, 2000). It might result to students not achieving very well academically. It might also lead to many sorts of crime, destruction, robbery with violence and abusive behaviour etc. This research would thus investigate.       

i.  What truancy implies.

ii. The reasons of truancy.

iii. The consequences of absenteeism on primary school kids academic  performance in  mathematics.

iv. The feasible answer to the problem.

1.3   PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The study's primary objective is:

i. To investigate truancy.

ii. To explain the reasons for truancy.

iii. To explain the consequences of truancy.

iv. Propose a viable solution to the study's dilemma.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

ii. What is  truancy?

ii. What are the reasons for truancy?

iii. Explain the consequences of truancy?

iv. What are the  viable solutions to the study's dilemma?

1.5   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The findings of the study will help various sponsors have a better understanding of what causes our primary school students to skip school.

The government will profit from the research since it will provide information on the high rate of truancy in schools and its consequences. As a result, the government will be able to implement steps that will eliminate truancy. One of the methods might be a government-approved disciplinary measure, such as the government supporting schools in punishing students who commit such activities. To reduce absenteeism, the government should impose some legal enforcement on students and instructors. Dedicated and bright students in schools might be encouraged by a variety of incentives, such as money or a gift, to modify their attitudes towards truancy. The research would help parents pay greater attention to their children's actions in and outside of school, and it would help parents who pampered their children and did not provide room for correction to realize the necessity for discipline on their children. The research will aid the instructor in assisting the students as much as possible in developing exciting and engaging activities based on teaching methods, as well as making her class lessons entertaining for the students. Also, to improve a successful teaching and learning process, make use of the availability of instructional materials for the students. The research will assist students in taking their studies more seriously. He'll also read more at home during his leisure time. It will also find the brightest students in his class and make friends with them so that they can educate him more about the unfamiliar topic. The research will encourage students to pay more attention to their studies and work toward a brighter future.

1.6   SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The research will focus on primary schools in Ogun state's Abeokuta North Local Government Area.

1.7   LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Ebenezer Primary School, Olumo Primary School, Army Children School I, Holy Prophet School I and II in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State were used in this study. Because of financial constraints and a lack of time, a small sample was used.

1.8   DEFINITION OF TERMS

i.          TRUANCY: This is missing school without a genuine cause.

ii.         ACADEMIC: Acquired via formal education, particularly at a primary or secondary level.

iii.       PERFORMANCE: The act of putting something into motion, achievement, accomplishment, or representation through action.

iv.       MATHEMATICS: Mathematics is the study of numbers and forms.

v.        CONSEQUENCE: The consequence of anything that has occurred.

vi.      DAMAGE: Physical harm done to something that makes it appealing.

vii. CRIMINAL: Involved in or connected to breaching the law.

viii.  VIOLENCE: Violent behavior is defined as behavior that is designed to cause harm or death.

ix.  ROBBERY: Theft of money or commodities from a bank, a stop, or a person.

x. ABUSIVE: With the intent to harm or kill.

xi.  LEGISLATURE: A body of persons with the authority to enact and amend laws..   

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