PEER GROUP INTERACTION ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PUPILS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN IBESIKPO ASUTAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

CHAPTER ONE

1.1   Introduction

The influence of peer group interaction on the academic performance of pupils in primary schools in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State is a major issue that demands pertinent attention and treatment, for the benefits of the Nigerian child and the development of National Policy on Education.

For over forty years, according to James Coleman (2001) researchers have been discussing the ling between social interaction among peers in schools and academic outcomes.

What effect does peer group has on the child’s academic achievement and the extent of that effect has been and open question. It is on this note therefore, that this research topic has been chosen to excavate not only fundamental issues involved in peer group interaction but to seek the extent to which these peers are influence over capacity building and performance outcomes on the primary schools in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Children are socialized by the people  with whom they associated through daily interaction. Over the course of many years acceptable, social customs are taught and fostered. Other children as well as adults can have a great impact on a broad range of issues in the child’s life including achievement in school.

Understanding the social interaction affect academic achievement is important for parents, educators and important for policy makers.

As analyzed by the United States Bureau of Census, “Education, the ticket to higher earning”. Statistical brief 93 – 7 April 1993, academic achievement is often measured by performance on standardized tests, educational attainment represents the level of total education researched y an individual. For his reason, isolating the peer effects on academic achievement can make a significant contribution over education reform, thereby establishing in clear terms, the important role of peers the making of the child. The extensive literature notes that  a child’s peer group influences social and academic development and that there influence begin at the very start of formal education. Influences and motivation for all kinds of children’s behaviour, including study habits and personal academic development, come not only from their peer but also from their parents, teachers, and others. With whom they come into contact with. Because of the sheer amount of time the typical child spends each day with his or her friends, the peer influence on a child yet answered is how does this peer group interaction influence the academic performance of pupils in primary schools.