ABSTRACT

The title of this study is “influence of family background on the academic performance of Biology students in Owerri Educational Zone of Imo State”. The purpose ofthe study was to investigate the different circumstances in each family am' their effects on the academic performance of the students. The study was thought to be of great educational value in that uncovering the different circumstances will help those who formulate educational policies to device effective ways of helping the less priviledged students financial!) or by way of scholarship as well as review and structure the curriculum to make education more relevant to the needs ofthe society. In carrying out the study, five research questions and five hypothesis derived from the purpose of the study were formulated and literature related to them extensively reviewed. A 47 questionnaire items were administered by hand to 225 sampled senior secondary three (SS3) Biology students. The questionnaire required them to Indicate their perception of the influence of the family background variables mentioned towards their academic performance. The mean, standard deviation coefficient of correlation Z-test and t-test statistic were used to answer the research questions and test the five hypothesis at 0.05 level ofsignificance. From the analysis, the following findings were made, out of 225 students sampled, 144 had low family background. The academic performance of the students from high socio-economic status families, educated parental background, those whose parents occupation aids in assisting their education, A well structured family and those who are motivated by parents exceeds far more to those who lack the above mentioned variables. There were significant or positive relationship between family background and socio-economic status of parents, parental education, family structure and size, parental occupation and motivation on the students academic performance. Family background of students and socio-economic status of parents, parental education, parental occupation, family structure that sees to the welfare of its members and parental motivation in general, exert great influence on the students academic performance. On the basis ofthe findings, some recommendations were made.