SELF-EFFICACY OF IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN IMO STATE-NIGERIA: SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC VARIBLES AS PREDICTORS

Abstract

Using a correlational survey research design, the study investigated self- efficacy among in-school adolescents in Imo State: socio-demographic variables as predictors. Four research questions and four hypotheses guided the study. 22, 159 SS 2 in-school adolescents in government-owned secondary schools in Imo State constituted the population. The sample for this study comprised 387 SS 2 in-school adolescents drawn from the six education zones in Imo state. This sample size was estimated using the Taro Yamane formula. Two instruments: Student’s socio-demographic information and the self-efficacy questionnaire were used for data collection. Three specialists in Education validated the instruments for face and content adequacy. Kuder-Richardson formula was used to establish the reliability of the instruments. The student’s socio-demographic information yielded a coefficient of 0.73, while the academic self-efficacy questionnaire yielded a reliability index of 0.88. A direct delivery approach was utilized in the administration of the instruments. Simple regression analysis was employed in analyzing questions 1 and 2, while questions 3 and 4 were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 significance level using simple and multiple regression analysis. Conclusion drawn from the findings of the study was that socio-demographic variables (in-school adolescents’ age, parents’ educational level, family status) significantly predict academic self-efficacy of in-school adolescents in Imo state. The following recommendations were made, among others: that conferences and seminars should be organized for teachers to enlighten them on the different traits possessed by in-school adolescents. The conference will also throw light on the teaching strategies and management techniques for different skills.