INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE ON METACOGNITIVE AWARENESS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG BIOLOGY EDUCATION STUDENTS OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY GASHU’A
Keywords:
Social Media, Metacognitive Awareness, Academic Performance, Biology Education, Federal University Gashu’aAbstract
This study examines the influence of social media usage on metacognitive awareness and academic performance among Biology Education students at Federal University Gashu’a. Social media platforms are widely used by students for various purposes. These platforms can affect how students think about their own learning processes. This is called metacognitive awareness. The problem is that excessive or unguided social media use may distract from academic work. This study used a mixed-method research design. A sample of 200 students was selected through random sampling. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data from questionnaires were analyzed using mean scores. Qualitative data from interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings showed that social media usage has a complex relationship with metacognition and academic outcomes. High levels of social media use for entertainment were linked to lower academic performance. However, using social media for academic purposes was associated with higher metacognitive awareness. The study concludes that the purpose of social media use is a key factor. It recommends integrating digital literacy into the curriculum. This can help students use social media more effectively for learning.
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