ACADEMIC INTERESTS AS PREDICTORS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN ONITSHA EDUCATION ZONE, ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

The study examined academic interests as predictors of secondary school students’ achievement in English Language in Onitsha Education Zone, Anambra State. One research question and one null hypothesis guided the study. A correlational research design was adopted. The population comprised 6,225 Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students from 22 secondary schools in the zone. A sample of 1,868 SS2 students (1,008 males and 860 females) was selected from four Local Government Areas using appropriate sampling techniques. Data were collected using two instruments: the Academic Interest Scale for Adolescents (AISA) and students’ academic records in English Language. The instruments were validated by experts, and internal consistency reliability coefficients (Cronbach’s alpha) ranged from .63 to .81, indicating acceptable reliability. Data collection was carried out through direct administration. Data were analysed using regression analysis. Findings revealed that academic interest had a moderate predictive influence on students’ achievement in English Language. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that secondary schools should give greater attention to fostering students’ academic interests, as these significantly predict achievement in English Language.