INFLUENCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN NASARAWA SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, NASARAWA STATE
Keywords:
Early Childhood, Education, Academic achievementAbstract
This study examined the influence of Early Childhood Education on Academic Achievement of Primary School Pupils in Nasarawa South Senatorial District, Nasarawa State. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The study used a descriptive research design. The population consisted of 29,315 primary 4 pupils in Nasarawa South senatorial district. A sample of 368 primary 4 pupils was used. The instrument used to collect data is titled “Academic Achievement Test (AAT). The instrument yielded the validity index of 0.82, and the reliability coefficient of 0.85 was obtained using Kuder-Richardson (KR-21) method. Two research questions were answered using descriptive and inferential statistics (mean and standard deviation) and two hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using t-test. The study revealed that there is a significant difference in the mean scores of pupils who attended early childhood education and pupils who did not attend early childhood education in both Mathematics and English language. The study concluded that quality Early Childhood Education is equated to an engraved mark on a rock which is difficult to erase when provided by qualified teachers, it would enhance provision of solid academic foundation for lifelong development which will no doubt enhance pupils’ mental ability, exhibition of acceptable moral behaviour and social interaction among peer groups. The study recommended among others that every child should be given individual opportunity to explore and experience formal schooling in the early years learning through ECE as this will further enhance their mental development and ability.
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