AN EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOLISM ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR STUDENTS (A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED SCHOOLS IN BAYELSA STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Academic performance, or how effectively a student satisfies the standards set by the institution, is used to gauge achievement in educational institutions. As professional rivalry in the workplace becomes more intense, the importance of pupils doing well in school has captured the attention of both parents and employers (Fried & Dunn, 2012). Osain & Alekseevic, (2016) opined that education is not the sole path to success in the workplace; great effort is expended in schools to detect, assess, measure, and promote students' development. Parents are concerned about their child's academic success because they assume that excellent grades will lead to better employment opportunities and job security. School performance is assessed in a variety of ways (Osain & Alekseevic, 2016). Excessive alcohol consumption is the most common hazardous habit in the world, and it is especially problematic among young people who use alcohol as part of their leisure activities. The beginning of university education corresponds with maturity, when alcohol becomes widely available and is utilized as a coping mechanism for new pressures. Alcohol has been shown to change the neuronal structure and physiology of the brain, impacting the prefrontal cortex and other regions implicated with cognitive impairment, particularly executive processes. Secondary school is a period of transition during which the student creates the basis of their adult identity and builds a new social network (Butler & Correia 2009). Alcohol usage is highly frequent at this period Piazza-Gardner (2016), since alcohol is a component of the vast majority of young people's leisure culture. The commencement of secondary education also corresponds with the attainment of the legal drinking age, implying open access to and ease in obtaining alcohol. Furthermore, there are concerning episodes of intense and compulsive drinking over a short period of time, known as binge drinking (Gentile Librizzi & Martinetti, 2012), which are associated with high risk behavior (Miller et al., 2007) such as aggression, reckless driving, or unprotected sex. Secondary school students may use alcohol to cope with stress, unpleasant emotions, or to appear mature. As a coping tool, students may use or misuse alcohol. Students who use alcohol as a coping method tend to consume more alcohol and may also engage in defense strategies such as denial and rationalization (Fried & Dunn 2012). Whatever the reasons for secondary students' use of alcohol, it is a highly widespread and significant problem on campuses. Alcohol usage has a detrimental impact on some kids and families by increasing the likelihood of dropouts and failing grades (Fried & Dunn 2012).

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Alcohol consumption shortens students academic vision and may jeopardize their goal of shaping future citizens (Devos-Comby & Lange 2008). At Nigeria, alcohol usage has spread to students, who may be observed drinking in pubs and restaurants as well as other quiet spots a few meters away from school. The usage of alcohol by secondary school students is a major problem. Alcohol use has been associated to a number of undesirable outcomes, including decreased academic performance, accidents and injuries, hostility and violence, and unsafe sexual conduct (Fried & Dunn 2012). Heavy drinking episodes in campus settings may have an even greater detrimental influence on academic achievement and student health. Students may waste important time that could be spent studying by drinking, which can lead to missed classes, blackouts, disputes, and attacks, all of which damage their academic performance. This study of an evaluation of the effect of alcoholism on the academic performance of senior students will try to shed more light on this issue.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of alcoholism on the academic performance of senior students. Other objectives of this study are

i.          To examine the factors that leads to alcohol consumption among senior secondary school students

ii.        To examine other effects of alcohol on senior school students

iii.      To examine ways to be used to reduce alcohol consumption among secondary school students.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

i.          What are the factors that leads to alcohol consumption among senior secondary school students?

ii.        What are the other effects of alcohol on senior school students?

iii.      What are the ways to be used to reduce alcohol consumption among secondary school students?

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be of great significance to educators and school administrators as this study will show the effects alcoholism on the academic performance of senior secondary school students. It will also highlight ways to reduce alcohol consumption among secondary school students.

This study will be beneficial to scholars as it will serve as an existing material for further research and future reference.

1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study will be focused on the an evaluation of the effect of alcoholism on the academic performance of senior students. It will also focus on the factors that influences alcohol consumption among secondary school students and ways to combat this problem.

This study will be using selected students of five selected schools in Bayelsa state as enrolled participants of this study.

1.6 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study will be limited to the an evaluation of the effect of alcoholism on the academic performance of senior students. It will also be limited to the factors that influences alcohol consumption among secondary school students and ways to combat this problem.

This study will be using selected students of five selected schools in Bayelsa state as enrolled participants of this study, thus more research is needed before the findings of this  study can be used any where else. Financial constraint was also encountered during the course of this study.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Evaluation: the making of a judgement about the amount, number, or value of something; assessment.

Alcoholism:  addiction to the consumption of alcoholic drink; alcohol dependency.

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