Impact of Malnutrition on the Academic Performance of Selected Grade 1-6 Pupils: Basis for Effective Feeding Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This action research entitled Impact of Malnutrition on the Academic Performance of Selected Grade 1-6 Pupils: Basis for Effective feeding Program is an attempt to determine the best practices being utilized by the teachers. This implies that in their hands lies the future of the country. Unfortunately, many people question the veracity of the said maxim due to the different problems and issues that greatly hamper children's growth and development like how academic performance and poor nutrition.

METHODS

This action research aims to determine the impact of malnutrition on the academic performance of selected Grade I-VI pupils. The respondents of the study are the selected pupils who are identified as malnourished based on the following criteria: a. they are identified as severely wasted and wasted on nutritional status, b. they manifest low performing skills during class discussion. The data gathering tool to be used is a questionnaire. Observation form was designed to collect data to document adequacy, availability and resources and facilities for the provision of adequate nutrition, the health status of children, frequency of school attendance and children performance. The interview schedule is designed for parents and children to give insight information that may not have covered by questionnaires.

RESULTS

The following findings that gave light to this study are the assessment of the teachers on the effect of malnutrition in the academic performance and the strategies needed to minimize the harmful effects of malnutrition on the academic performance of the target respondents. In the first finding, most of the respondents answered that malnutrition mostly affects the understanding of the lessons presented in the class. In the strategies needed for the study, they have chosen to do the Intensity School Feeding Program.

DISCUSSIONS

The following findings that gave light to this study are the assessment of the teachers on the effect of malnutrition in the academic performance and the strategies needed to minimize the harmful effects of malnutrition on the academic performance of the target respondents. In the first finding, most of the respondents answered that malnutrition mostly affects the understanding of the lessons presented in the class. In the strategies needed for the study, they have chosen to do the Intensity School Feeding Program.