Factors Affecting Poor Study Habits and Academic Performance among Grade VI Pupils in Putingkahoy Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Poor study habits are one of the major causes of current academic problems. Too many students do not know how to study efficiently and effectively. Every curriculum year, it is one of the problems that teachers have to contend with. It is not only the teachers who are concerned with this problem but the school administrators as well. This study basically described the causes of poor study habits among our Grade Six pupils in three aspects namely: 1) Child Related Causes; 2) School Related Causes and; 3) Home Related Causes.

METHODS

This study used the descriptive survey method. A questionnaire was used to determine the causes of poor study habits among pupils. Pupils rated each situation/ reason/cause presented. A questionnaire composed of twenty-one (21) items was used. It was written in English with a Filipino translation to facilitate better understanding and generate authentic responses. Fifty-three (53) grade VI pupils enrolled were selected as respondents and they answered the questionnaire. All of the data gathered from the respondents were organized, tallied, tabulated and presented in tables. Frequency, percentage weight values and weighted mean were used in the analysis and interpretation of data.

RESULTS

Based on the results revealed by the study, the following are the salient findings of this action research:In terms of child related causes, difficulty in comprehension and poor concentration got the highest mean; 2) In terms of school related causes, distractions like noise and lack of textbooks with percentage mean of (X=3.13 and X= 2.98) were the major problem; and 3) In terms of home related causes, distraction by other interest with percentage mean of (X= 3.06) and household chores (2.98) are the top problems confronted by pupils.

DISCUSSIONS

The results showed that we should emphasize to all the teachers that concentration, along with comprehension should be developed among the pupils because these skills tend to influence the study habits of the pupils. In school, it should be stressed by the teachers to the pupils that when they study, it is not enough that they learn how to decode the words in the text of what they study, but they also understand the main thought. School administrators should maintain a school environment that is conducive for studying. Classroom organization and noise reduction should also be given emphasis because these affect the study habits of the pupils. Parents should also be informed about the interests and hobbies of their children that can distract learning like using gadgets and other activities.