FACTORS INFLUENCING PRIMARY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED SCHOOLS AT OFORIKROM SUB METRO IN KUMASI IN THE ASHANTI REGION

ABSTRACT This study sought to find out the factors influencing students’ attendance and performance in Ayeduase, Kotei, Deduako, Emena and its environs in the Kumasi Metropolis. A descriptive research design was used. Purposive sampling technique was employed in the selecting of the class six pupils and Head Teachers from each sampled school for the study. However, the random sampling technique was used in selecting teachers from each of the sampled schools. The data was obtained through questionnaires. The findings showed that the factors that affect the pupils’ attendance and performance were pupil absenteeism, pupils receiving all kinds of punishment from their class teachers to deter them from absenting themselves from school. The study also found other factors that that influences the performance of the pupils. Among them were pupils who do not understand lessons taught by their class teachers, pupil who do not have anybody to assist them in their homework after school hours, pupils do not have access to supplementary books at home. The results revealed further that there were no existing strategies in the schools to enhance attendance but the schools had existing strategies such as weekly test to improve performance. It was therefore, recommended that some strategies such as such as counseling of pupils on the importance of school attendance to enhance pupils’ school attendance. The study further recommended that teachers should be encouraged to use activity oriented and fascinating techniques to as a means of capturing pupils’ attention in class.