Causes and Solutions of Truancy Among Secondary School Students

Causes and Solutions of Truancy Among Secondary School Students

Abstract

This project was carried out to find the causes and solutions of truancy among secondary school students in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Fitzgerald (2005) and Nwachukwu (2005), observed that though causes of truancy tend to overlap, the factors that contribute to truancy can be identified as; student, family, school, and community-related factors. Furthermore, the present researchers’ findings made it evident that there is a disparity in perceptions regarding the system of expectations and sanctions at different levels does tend to increase attendance in the short run and do not seem to be an essential component in the long-term reduction of truancy.

Chapters one and two in the background of the study and the review of related literature, respectively. The study’s research methodology and overall design were presented in chapter three. Chapter Four dealt with data presentation and analysis. The study’s educational implication, recommendation, and summary were contained in Chapter 5. References and Appendices were inclusive.

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Oxford Advanced learner Dictionary (2001) defined ‘cause’ as:

(I) The person or thing that makes something happen;

(II) A reason for having a particular feeling or behaving in a particular way;

(III) An organization or idea that people support or fight,

(IV) A case that goes to the court of law.

Encyclopedia Wikipedia (2009) opined that ‘cause’ relates to the research topic, is what makes something happen or a reason for behaving in a particular way. In the same context, Microsoft Encarta (2009) defines a solution as a way of solving a problem or dealing with a problematic situation or undesirable behavior.

Truancy is any intentional unauthorized absence from schooling. The term typically describes absence caused by students of their own free will and usually does not refer to legitimate “excused ” absence. It may also refer to students who attend school but do not attend classes (Wikipedia 2009).

In the same vain, Nwachukwu (2004) said that a truant absents him/herself from classes and school functions, comes late to classes, and returns days or even weeks after the beginning of each term without any good permission. Meanwhile, Nwachukwu (1999) opined that if a student’s character does not conform to the already mapped out rules and regulations about class attendance and other school activities, such student is regarded as a truant.

According to Baker, Sigmon, and Nugent (2001), voluminous research indicates that school problems include: academic failure, juvenile delinquency, gang activity, and drug abuse. Nonetheless, the present researchers believe that some of the causes of truancy are non-student factors like inadequate parental care, cruel teachers, and poor school management.

In the light of the above, Nwangwu (1991) reported that most parents usually overlook their responsibilities in training their children. Instead, they try to transfer their roles to the school, neglecting their vital roles of nurturing the child’s character at home. It does not mean that a teacher has not got their shortcomings. Araonyer (1991) said that some teachers are chief truants who come to school at will, while some make lessons very difficult for the student by jumping into the class without proper preparation. The present researchers observed that in any school where management has a laissez-faire approach to disciplinary issues like punctuality, neatness, moral conduct, etc. The students show a lackadaisical attitude to school functions and thus revert to truancy. Fitzgerald (2005) explained that school attendance is essential in developing a child’s future. Success in school often leads to a bright and promising future for a student. He further opined that many students stray away from school and become involved in harmful activities such as drug abuse, delinquent behavior, and gang activity. Sigmon and Nugent (2001) warned that not only does truancy have an immediate effect on the secondary school student, it also extends far into the student’s adult years with an increased likelihood of incarceration.

The National Policy on Education (2004) defined secondary Education as children’s education after primary education and before the tertiary stage. Post-primary school board (PPSMB) statistical record PRS (2009) shows nine government-owned secondary schools in Enugu North Local Government Area. Enugu’s north local government area is in the Enugu senatorial district of Enugu state, Nigeria. The area is predominantly an urban settlement with a few rural communities. Some of the communities in Enugu North L.G.A include Enugu Ngwo, Iva-valley, Coal camp, G.R.A, independent Layout, Ogui, and Asata.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Truancy has been a nagging issue in Nigeria and Enugu state, Ogakwu (2009). Beyond the effect of missed schooling on a student’s educational attainment, truancy may indicate more deeply embedded problems with the student presently and in later life . The entire educational system is also affected, Wikipedia, (2001).

This study finds the causes, consequences, and solutions of truancy among secondary school students in the Enugu North local government Area. It has been earlier perceived in the background of this study that the incidence of truancy is on the increase. This is perhaps due to school phobia, delinquency, inadequate parental responsibility or care, and attitudes of class teachers and the school management.

Specifically, One Would Like to Ask

1. What is the contributing factor to truancy among secondary school students?

2. In what ways can the parents help in reducing the incidence of truancy in schools?

3. What roles have teachers played to reduce truancy?

4. What roles have the school management and non-tutorial staff play in pursuit of the solutions to truancy?

5. How can government help to reduce truancy among secondary school students?

1.3 Purpose of Study

Based on the background and the problems of this study, the primary purpose underlying this project is to investigate the causes and solutions of truancy among secondary school students in the Enugu North local government Area. The study specifically seeks to determine;

1. Why do some students abscond from school?

2. Why do some students sneak out the school during classes?

3. What roles can the teacher, parents, school authorities, and government play in reducing truancy?

4. What strategies can be used to affect the desired changes?

1.4 Significance of Study

The usefulness of this research work in the educational system cannot be over-emphasized. If the result of the study is utilized correctly, it will be of benefit to the students, teachers, parents, and government.

1. The students carrying out this research study needed the result of the research to fulfill their graduation requirements.

2. The research work will help educate the upcoming students on the consequences of truancy.

3. It will help the parents to understand the need for adequate parental care for school children.

4. It will inform the teachers and other school staff on the strategies to reduce truancy in schools.

5. It will help the government to design relevant policies and legislation to curb the menace of truancy in this country.

1.5 Scope of Study

The study was based on the secondary schools in Enugu North local government area, Enugu state. The scope of the study is limited to determining the causes and solutions of truancy among secondary school students in the area.

1.6 Research Questions

The following research questions were formulated to guide the study;

1. What are the contributing factors of truancy among secondary school students?

2. In what ways can parents help in reducing the incidences of truancy in school?

3. What roles have the teachers played in reducing truancy in schools?

4. What are the roles of the school authority in the reduction of truancy among students?

5. How can government help in the reduction of truancy among secondary school students?

REFERENCES

Atkinson, M. & Kinder, K. (2000). Starting to join an evaluation: An evaluation of multi-agency support team activity in schools. Paper presented at BERA, Cardiff 2000. Slough: NFER.

Atkinson, M., Halsey, K., Wilkin, A. & Kinder, K. (2000). Raising attendance. Slough: NFER.

Audit Commission (2005). Missing out: LEA management of school attendance and exclusion. (Briefing, October 2005). London: Audit Commission.

Bruce, C. (2000). The LEA Contribution to school improvement – a role worth fighting for. Slough: NFER (LGA research report).

Cameron, H., Thorpe, G. & Lowden, K. (2004). Understanding truancy: Links between attendance, truancy, and performance. Edinburgh: Scottish Council for Research in Education.

Cloward, G. & Ohlin, R. (2004). Delinquency audits origins. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.