THE ROLE OF MORAL AND MORALE IN THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN ENGLISH OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS (EDUCATION PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
The problem of declining morality, especially among the youth, is an age-old and worldwide issue. This is especially true in Nigeria, Syria and South Africa where the ever-decreasing levels of morality affect communities as well as the entire country. For example, the economy of Nigeria is affected negatively due to lowered investor confidence, which is influenced by the high instances of violence and crime. As far as the family is concerned, Nigeria is also suffering. For example, more children are becoming orphaned due to HIV/Aids, and many parents have lost children and even entire families to violence perpetrated by (Boko Haram). This issue has steadily gained importance in Nigeria and has become a “National Attention” as highlighted by the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in one of his addresses on the need for peace: when he said “the lines between right and wrong are continuing to plague our communities” (Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 24 May, 2012). This viewpoint has steadily been gaining support from various arenas, including Religious, Educational and Political leaders. Morality is therefore seen as an antidote to the ever-increasing incidence of crime such as violence, Kidnapping and even HIV/Aids (Carlo et al. 1999; Judy & Nelson 2000). It is essential that the issue of morality in the country be addressed. Until recent years, public schools had since deflected from their original roles in morality, though many outside the school system continued political pressure to move schools either towards or away from a value oriented curriculum. (KILPATRICK, WILLIAM, 2008). This poses questions and ideas about the appropriate approach to learning and the effect of morality in our teaching-learning process. DUNCAN, (2009) opined that there is no doubt that things are falling apart many people behave as if there is no need for decency and diligence for things that matter. There is an increase in moral, social and cultural decadence. Youths, now parade themselves with arrogance, cultism, vandalism and great lack of morals. The youths and children are now like sheep without a shepherd. They can no longer concentrate or remain focused even on their academic works.
Kara (2009) stated that morale towards learning of English Language besides opinions and beliefs have an obvious influence on students’ behaviours and consequently on their performance. It is argued that those students who possess positive morale about learning have a tendency to increase more positive attitudes towards language learning. (www.ccsenet.org/ass Asian Social Science Vol. 8, No. 2; February 2012). Conversely, negative beliefs may lead to class anxiety, low cognitive achievement, and negative attitudes (Victori & Lockhart, 1995). According to Alhmali (2007), the purpose of education in Nigeria is to obtain high grades and pass the exams. He went further to say that the creativity and understanding of the nature of students and their needs are not taken into account. The teachers’ role is basically to transmit information to their students effectively. There exists little knowledge about the best strategies to develop the students not just cognitively but also behaviorally and emotionally. In Nigeria, English Language textbooks are based on the communicative approach. (Orafi & Borg, 2009).
