ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in Ebonyi stateto determine the factors leading to poor low enrollment in business subject. Both simple random and purposive sampling were used to select the responded; primary data were collected using questionnaires, interview and field observation whereas secondary data were collected from statistical records found in the district education office. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics incorporated in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 16.0. The findings indicated that, the poor performance in form four examinations was associated with poor working environment for teachers, poor supply of teaching and learning materials (61.6%), high teacher-students ratio (1:65) and poor teaching methodology (46%). It was further found that, the effects of parental involvement on student academic achievement depend on both school characteristics and the nature of parental involvement in that, when students are having trouble with school, their parents are more likely to become involved by maintaining contact with the school. Teacher- student ratio was positively correlated with the achievement scores. It can be concluded that inadequate teaching and learning materials, high teacher-student ratio and poor working environment have a significant impact on student achievement. From the findings, it is recommended that there should be conducive working environment for teachers, adequate supply of teaching and learning materials, provision of motivation to teachers, proper recruitment and in-service training for teachers, a good education policy, teachers being responsible and accountable, use of proper teaching and learning methods, as well as community participation in schools activities and good child care.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1Â Background of the Problem
Making a choice has never been an easy task when it comes to subject in the secondary school level as students are so ambitious. Adolescence is the stage of making very crucial decisions about life. A major turning point in adolescents’ lives involves the subject choice that they make while in secondary school. The selection of a subject is one of the many important choices students make in determining future plans. Frequently, it is viewed by family and community as a mere start to workplace readiness. However, this decision plays a major role in establishing youth in a career path that opens as well as closes opportunities, given the differences in the social and economic context of college-bound versus work-bound adolescents do influence their choice of career (Bluestein, 1997). The decision to choose a particular subject today will impact on the students either positively or negatively throughout their lives (Ushurhe, 2015). According to Ikwesiri (2016), factors that determine subject choice include; job description, training and education required, career outlook and employment opportunities.
A career in business requires the student to take business studies from the very beginning to have a solid foundation in the subject matter which is very vital for success in one’s career. Business studies has been in the Secondary School curriculum from the dawn of time and many students have always chosen this subject. According to Tucker (2014), Business studies and related concepts such as the ‘FAME’ group – Finance, Accounting, Management and Economics are among the most popular fields of study in secondary schools worldwide. These concepts form the core of business studies. However, the subject matter of business is far beyond
these four concepts. Business studies is an expanding field with much to offer anyone who desires to make a lot of money, which is the desire of many people. Business studies offers an overwhelming amount of useful information that can be used in everyday life after graduating from college to make money.
Business studies refers to education that prepares students for entry into and advancement in jobs within business and it is equally important because it prepares students to handle their own business affairs and to function intelligently as consumers and citizens in a business economy (Inegbedion, 2008). Business studies therefore provides students with self- sustaining skills in the society.
Osuala (2004), gave a two-part definition of business studies; first, it is office business education, a vocational programme of office careers through initial, refresher and upgrading education and second, general business education is a programme to provide students with information and competences which are needed by all in managing personal business affairs and in using the services of the business. This definition takes two aspects into account; it looks at career aspect and personal survival skills in business education. These aspects form the core of business studies. Most people choose business studies to acquire skills in these two areas.
Njoku (2006), defines business studies as an educational programme that equips an individual with functional and suitable skills, knowledge, attitude and value that would enable him/her operate in the environment he/she finds himself/herself. These definitions focus more on personal survival skills unlike Osuala (2004), who incorporated career skills in his definition. The definitions of business studies continue to be modified by different authors. This means that
business studies is not static. Hence it needs to be defined to suit the changing times. Every year people do research on different aspects of business which brings out new knowledge and hence warrants the changes to be made over time. There have not been shortages of researchers who have talked about this concept.
Business studies is not only chosen for the sake of choosing it but there are a plethora of importance attached to this value adding decision which motivates many students to make an informed decision in choosing business studies as a subject. This importance ranges from acquiring basic life management skills to industrial skills. Peterson (2013), states that many people have always wondered why students choose business studies among several alternatives in the optional subjects in secondary school. This choice is always based on the motivating factors compelling a student to make an informed choice of the subject. Business studies can be helpful in practically any career students wish to pursue. The knowledge of business is needed in everyday life to plan for their future, manage all that they have, and be independent in managing their living.
