THE EFFECTS OF SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE ON PUPILS' ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS

Abstract

Education infrastructure is an important factor after the home in the development of children. There are numerous studies on the effects of spatial quality of buildings on pupils' academic performances. However, there is no comprehensive study about how school infrastructure affects children's academic performance in the Tamale Metropolis. The general objective of the study was to investigate the effects of school infrastructure on pupils' academic performance in public Junior High Schools in the Tamale Metropolis with the view of providing policy recommendations. A cross sectional research design was used, The type, number and physical condition of school infrastructure and pupils academic performance were assessed using questionnaire, interview and checklist. A probability and non - probability sampling techniques were used to sample respondents from a pool of 11 Public Junior High Schools in seven circuits in the Tamale Metropolis. Respondents consist of eight head teachers, 40 teachers and 155 pupils. The findings of the study show that there is a positive and significant (p<0.05) relationship between school infrastructure and pupils' academic performance. The findings show that 83% and 79% of respondents in less endowed schools argued that very poor school infrastructure results in low pupils' academic performance. The findings also reveal that school infrastructure has a positive (p=0.236) relationship with pupils' academic performance. The lack of library facilities, school buildings, running (tap) water and places of convenience in public schools do not provide students conducive environment for studying. The study recommends that Parent Teacher Associations, Non-governmental Organization, philanthropists and the District Assembly should mobilize the necessary support to provide school infrastructure in order to give these pupils an equal playing field with their colleagues in well equipped schools. This will ensure progress towards the achievement of sustainable high quality education and the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).