THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOLISM ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE …

THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOLISM ON ACADEMIC

PERFORMANCE OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS

IN KITGUM DISTRICT A CASE

STUDY OF AMIDA

SUB COUNTY

BY

WEGOSASA JANEPHER

BED1287091911DU-LR

A RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED TO I.O.D.L IN PARTIAL

FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF

DEGREE IN EDUCATION OF KAMPALA

INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

OCT. 2011

DECLARATION

I WEGOSASA JANEPHER do hereby declare that this is my original work and has

never been submitted for any awaid of a degree in any University or institute.

Signed ~

WEGOSASA JENEPHER

Date 2~—Io-2D

APPROVAL

This is to certify that WEGOSASA JENEPHER carried out a research performance of

primary schools in Kitgum district. Her work was supervised, approved and is now

hereby submitted to Kampala International University board for the award of a degree of

Bachelor of Education.

Supervisor:

Mr. Odongo Mike.

Date

11

DEDICATION

I dedicate this research report to Almighty God for his tireless support towards my

Education and to my beloved Husband Nokrach Charles, who supported me financially,

my family members who worked tirelessly to support my education.

The memory of my mum Elizabeth Nafuna whose love, care and advise is still fresh on

my memory, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. Not forgetting my supervisor Mr. Mike

Odongo who guided me through my research report writing, my little daughter Amito

Fiona Hope who has been missing me during my studies, the apple of my eye.

111

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.

I wish to sincerely thank all the people whose help and guidance has seen me through the

successful completion of the work.

First and foremost I would like to convey special thanks to my supervisor, Mr. Odongo

Mike, for his tireless effort in keeping me focused.

I also extend heartfelt thanks to my husband Mr. Nokrach Charles, the love of my life,

whose moral, spiritual and endless financial support during my time of study can’t escape

mention.

I also want to thank my sons Oyo Steven Jowel, Ogen~rwot John, Onekalit Regan,

Kornakech Kevin, Munu Nicholas and my beloved daughter Amito Fiona Hope, Aber

Flora and Aber Esther who worked tirelessly to keep our family members during my

studies.

My sincere thanks also to the staffs and pupils of Alero P/S for being patient and

providing valuable information which enabled me to complete my work.

Finally my great friends Ocen Davidson & Apio Grace, Balewa Charles for their support

and encouragement through the work.

iv

LIST OF TABLES

Table i Showing the relationship between alcohol and how it affect

academic performance Pg 5

Table ii Showing area of the study in Arnida Sub County V V

PglO

Table iii Showing sample selection method

Pgll

Table iv Showing sampling methods Pg 11

Table v Showing whether or not indiscipline was the source of poor perfonuance.

Pg14

Table vi Showing whether or not indiscipline pupils drop out of school

P15

Table vii Showing whether or not indiscipline teachers affect performai~ce of pupils

Pg15

Table viii Showing whether or not indiscipline pupils do their assignment

Effectively Pg 16

Table ix Showing whether or not poor syllabus coverage affects performanceV Pg16

Table x Showing whether or not poor syllabus coverage promotes laziness

V Pg17

v

Table xi Showing whether or not poor syllabus coverage encourage drop out of

pupils from school Pg 17

Table xii Showing whether or not parents who drink alcohol do not provide basic

needs to their children at school Pg 18

Table xiii Showing whether or not pupils who drink alcohol do not do assignment

effectively Pg 19

vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Approval

Dedication

Declaration iv

Acknowledgement v

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study 1

1.2 Program Statement 2

1.3 The purpose of the study 2

1.4 The objective of the study 2

1.5 Research questions 3

1.6 Scope of the study 3

1.6.1 Geographical scope 3

1.6.2 Time scope 3

1.6.3 Content scope 3

1.7 Significance of the study 3

1.8 Limitations of the study 4

1.9 Operation definition of terms 4

1.10 Conceptual framework s

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW 6

2.0 Introduction 6

2.1 Conceptual review 6

2.2~Actual review of related literature 6

2.2.1 Alcohol related problems 7

2.2.2 Responsibilities ofparents in providing support to their children formal

education 7

2.2.3 Indi~cip1ine and performance 8

vii

2.2.4 Poor syllabus coverage and performance 9

2.2.5 Drunkardness and performance of pupils 9

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Introduction 10

3.1 Research design 10

3.2 Area and population of study . . 10

3.3 Sample method 11

3.4 Data collection method 11

3.4.1 Questionnaire 12

3.4.2 Interview 12

3.4.3 Observation 12

3.5. Data collection instruments 12

3.5.1 Questionnaire 12

3.5.2 Interview guide 12

3.5.3 Observation check list 13

3.6 Procedure for data collection 13

3.7 Data analysis method 13

3.8 Data reliability and validity 13

3.9.0 Ethical consideration 13

3.9.1 Anonymity 13

CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION 14

4.0 Introduction 14

4.1 Presentation and interpretation 14

4.1.1 How does indiscipline affect performance of pupils in Kitgum district 14

4.1.2 Indiscipline pupils drop out of school 15

4.1.3Jndiscipline teachers affect performance of pupils 16

4.2.0~ PoQr syllabus coverage affect academics 16

viii

4.2.1 Poor syllabus coverage promotes laziness 17

4.2.2 Poor syllabus coverage encourages drop out of pupils from school 17

4.3.0 Drunkardness affect academics performance of pupils in Kitgum District ... 18

4.3.1 Parents who drink alcohol do not provide basic needs to their children at

school 18

4.3.3 Pupils who drink alcohol do not do assignment effectively 19

4.4. Discussion

4.4.1 Indiscipline and performance 20

4.4.2 Syllabus and performance 20

4.4.3 Drankardness and performance 21

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATION 22

5.1 Summary of findings 22

5.2 Conclusion 22

5.3 Recommendations 23

APPENDIX I 24

APPENDIX ~ 24

APPENDIX ~ 27

APPENDIX IV 28

ix

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction:

This chapter will present the background of the study, the problem statement,

Purpose of study, Objectives of the study, Research questions, Significance of the

study, Scope of the study and Conceptual framework.

1.1.0 Background of the study:

Education is said to be the backbone of any country. The Government of Uganda

in her attempt to provide basic education to her nation has adopted a Universal

Primary Education (UPE) Policy which aimed at providing education for all, at

least at primary level. The problem of academic performance however has

continued to affect the societies in Uganda and Kitgum.

After the attainment of Independence (1962) the major task was to provide

education to all. This was entirely for the Colonial selective system of education.

The introduction of decentralization policy in Uganda ensures that services were

given back to the people (Nsibambi 1997). The education policy was to provide

accessible education services to every school going age (Education Act 2008).

Although this attempt seems to be acceptable to all societies, it has experienced a

number of challenges. This includes parents’ abilities to send children to schools,

providing scholastic materials, culture among others. Inline with that domestic

violence and child neglect has worked to push many children to the streets and

many have become drug addicts and drunkards.

Alcoholism has worked to the image of many students; alcoholism has since then

affected academic perfonnance of pupils in Kitgurn District and other parts of

Uganda.

Generally, parents are held as models of responsibility (Harris and Roynold

1978). It is believed that children imitate and learn from their parents. Alcoholic

families thus are more likely to infect their children and thus stifle their education

progress. This explains why the researcher intends to examine the effect of

alcoholism on the academic performance of pupils in Kitgum district Arnida Sub

County.

1

1.2.0 Problem Statement:

The problem of poor academic performance is not about to end with Kitgum but

naturally this is a general outcry. This is perhaps attributed to alcoholism. A

number of youth have embarked on alcoholic drinks, which affects them mentally

and academically. This problem has left many youths to parade the streets in

Kitgum, others have run away from schools yet others rarely attend classes. This

is detrimental to academic pursuits.

The government of Uganda has attempted to solve this problem through

compulsory education (UPE) to keep them at school and now the (USE)

programmed.

A number of Non Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) have come to provide

scholastic materials and fees to children. Others have enrolled on rehabilitation

programmers all geared toward moral rehabilitation of the youths. There has

always been trainings and workshops for teachers on how best to counsel the

children so that they can remain in school.

Despite the above interventions, the problem still persists. That is why the

researcher intends to investigate the effect of alcoholism on academic

performance in Kitgum district.

1.3.0 The Purpose of the study:

The purpose of the study is to examine the effect of alcoholism on academic

standards ofprimary children in Kitgtim district.

1.4.0 The objective of the study:

1.4.1 To examine the effect of indiscipline on academic performance of

pupils in Kitgum district.

1.4.2 To find out the extent to which poor syllabus coverage affects

academic performance of the pupils in Kitgum district.

1.4.3 To asses how drunkardness affect academic performance of pupils in

Kitgum district.

1.5.0 Research Questions:

1.5.1 What are the effects of indiscipline of pupils on their academic performance

in Kitgum district?

2

1.5.2 To what extend does poor syllabus coverage affect academic performance of

pupils in Kitgurn district?

1.5.3 How does drunkardness affect academic performance of pupils in Kitgurn

district?

1.6.0 Scope of the study:

1.6.1 Geographical scope

This study shall be conducted in Kitgum district focusing on Amida Sub County.

Kitgum district is located in Northern Uganda and for the purpose of this study

Arnida Sub County shall be used.

1.6.2 Time scope

This study shall cover the period of 2007 - 2010. This period is significant

because it is a time when Kitgum experienced relative peace as a result of the

stoppage of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) war in Northern Uganda.

1.6.3 Content scope

The study shall focus on indiscipline, lack of interest, poor syllabus coverage,

drunkardness, and how they affect academic performance of pupils in Kitgum

district.

1.7.0 Significance of the study

+ The findings of the study will help parents to improve disciple among

their children since indiscipline causes poor academic performance in

pupils at school.

+ The study findings will help the Government to design good methods

of support supervision in order to reinforce the poor syllabus coverage

by teachers

+ The study will help policy makers to set some bylaws on alcohol

consumption.

+ The study may also assist the local community in making sound

decisions for the smooth running of the schools. Sound decision

increase interest in learning.

3

+ The study will assist Non Governmental Organizations in collecting

data in order to improve performance. It also helps the NGO’s in

providing services such as sensitization to improve academic

performance in schools.

1.8.0 Limitations of the study..

+ The time allocated for this study is too little to cover the work;

however, the researcher shall draw the work plan to ensure proper

coverage.

+ There will be problem of financial constraint since the researcher

needs to search information from different sources. However, the

researcher shall have to follow the budget.

+ Since research involves a lot of movement in the area understudy, the

activity becomes so tiresome; however, the researcher may use

sampling method.

1.9.0 Operational definition of terms.

Definition of terms

Alcoholism: - excessive use of intoxicating drinks such as beer, spirit, and local brews.

Environment: - this is the area around us that affect ourselves.

Family: - comprises of a married man and woman living together with their children.

Education: - is a programmed which is designed to bring about change in an individual

who attends it.

Grievance: - unresolved matters between people.

1.10 Conceptual Framework.

Table showing the relationship between alcoholism and how it affects academic

performances in Primary Schools.

4

Table I

INDEPENDENT VARIABLES

VARIABLES

Alcoholism

• Indiscipline• Syllabus coverage• Drunkardness

DEPENDANT

Performance

° Grade• Retention° Assignment

In the above conceptual frame work, alcoholism is taken as

independent variable while performance is the dependent variable.

Alcoholism is viewed in terms of indiscipline, poor syllabus

coverage and drunkenness. These elements significantly affect

perforfnance of pupils. However if these elements are controlled, it

can lead to improved grades, pupils teachers retention in schools

and pupils shall respond to their assignments very well hence good

performance.

5

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

This chapter shall examine the theoretical review and actual review of related

literature.

The chapter presents a series of literature related to the topic under investigation.

It will be done under the following objectives.

2.1 Conceptual Review

Impact/effect of alcohol use on academic performances

According to N and Elly 1998; many families are ruined by alcohol. Alcoholism

is defined as the executive use of intoxicating drinks; in the past, only adults

could drink alcohol, now days even school children take. Alcoholic drinks such as

beer, spirit and local brews. Young people who drink are not likely to have good

relationship with their families and the will not do well in their school work.

Alcohol endangers your health directly because it can damage your brain and

liver. It can also lead to malnutrition and cancer of the gullet.

Alcohol causes disagreement and even fighting in the family because people who

are drunk can not reason well and become quarrelsome.

The quarreling and fighting causes a great deal of unhappiness and often

permanent psychological damage to children.

Scared money is used to buy alcohol instead of the basic needs for the children

leaving children to drop out of school.

According to New Vision report dated 01-06-2010 states drunkard drivers have

caused the highest percentage in traffic accidents in the country.

According to Presley et al (1993), Alcohols affects many parts of the brain but the

most vulnerable cells are those associated with memory, coordination and

judgment.

Alcohol has several physiological and psychological effects which will inhibit

your performance as a student. Cognitive abilities are affected by even small

amounts of alcohols and can persist for a substantive period of time. For example

6

alcohol impairs memory by inhibiting the transfer and consolidation of

information learnt, it also reduces the attention span in children at school.

With long term use, alcohol can result in the adulteration and even death of brain

cells that support brain by providing energy and nutrients.

Alcohol can cause damage to the connection between the nerve cells and cause

irreversibility brain damage including memory loss and personality changes.

According to Henry,w. (199 1),Alcohol consumer performs poorly on test given at

school because of missing classes, children who come from drunkard families

miss classes due to inconveniences at home caused by alcohol hence poor

performance at school, children end up dropping out of school because of the

effect of alcohol.

According to marrow et al (1990),state that children/participants put in less effort

when competing in performance test. Participants become fatigued during lesson.

Verster et at (2003), states that alcohol delays recall of items learnt at school.

Alcohol reduces our memory to remember.

2.2 Actual Review of related literature

2.2.1 Alcohol related problems

According to the Uganda low of constitution it legal to drink alcohol if you are

under the age of 18 years. A young person will be arrested for drinking

alcohol.Alcohol is prohibited while driving because it causes/leads to road

accidents; it leads to poor performance at school,itleads to poverty and self

neglect,it can also lead to rape and imprisonment when the drunkard breaks the

low, and heavy drinking may weaken the immune system making it susceptible to

disease and death.

2.2.2 Responsibilities of parents in providing support to their children’s formal

education

According to C. Royriald (1 978),parents acts as models and responsibility to their

children. Every family is unique and such uniqueness need to be respected. Each

person brings anew family his or her own way of early experience. Each family

must respect the values beliefs and attitudes of each member.

7

Children learn to be responsible by seeing their parents and teachers doing things

that are difficult or hard to do. This does not mean performing hard work; it also

means controlling ones feeling, making decisions about children.

Surely children’s behaviors are affected by the press of social changes, but many

of their problems are stimulated by day to day experience and rooted in their early

experience within the home and school.

According to C.Wright (1998), the foundation of learning well in school can be

built by the parents in the earliest year of a Childs life. From birth a child who

feels loved secure, and approval of is more likely to have the desire and the

confidence to learn rapidly. Parents can also help a child to learn by playing using

simple material so that they can explore and learn their successes and mistakes.

Parents should guide but not control the Childs play. They are the observer of a

Childs development.

According to Education Act 13 2008 spelt the responsibility of parents and

guardians as follows;

Registering their children of school going age at school,providing parental

guidance and psychosocial welfare of their children.providing food, cloth, shelter,

medical care etc.promoting moral, spiritual and cultural growth of their

chiidren.participating in promoting of discipline of their children,participating in

development and review of the curriculum and community support in school.

These contrasting parenting strategies arise from quite different views of the

nature of children and childhood and the role of parents. Your child needs some

of your time to be hugged and played with.

2.2.3 Indiscipline and Performance

Indiscipline children come from families who haven’t got enough guidance from

their parents. Parents who consume a lot of alcohol don’t have time to guide their

children; such families are full of chaos, fighting, abuses and neglected roles to

play. Such children copy there bad behaviors which cause strikes, bulling in

school.

8

Indiscipline children don’t perform better in school. They obtain poor grade in

school at the end of the program since they don’t do the assignment given, they

are irregular in school and they end up by dropping out of school.

2.2.4 Poor syllabus coverage and performance of pupils.

Poor syllabus coverage affect performance of pupils in school in the way that

teachers come to school drunk all the time dizzy and unprepared to deliver the

right content to the learners.

Irregularities of both teachers and pupils also affect syllabus coverage hence, poor

syllabus coverage.

Teachers who don’t prepare their lesson due to drunkardness don’t teach

effectively hence poor syllabus coverage.

2.2.5 Drunkardness and performance of pupils.

Drunkard parents don’t provide basic needs to their children; they don’t check

pupil’s work and give more encouragement.

Drunkard pupils are irregular at school hence, poor syllabus coverage.

Drunkard pupils contribute very little in class since they lack interest in learning,

they ~re tired and fatigue. Their thinking ability is narrow, they can’t have the

ability to recall and remember what was taught.

Drunkard pupils don’t do their assignment given hence, perform poorly during the

test.

They are indiscipline and aggressive all the time. Drunkard teachers don’t teach

effectively since no time is left for preparation of the scheme and lesson plan.

Drunkard teachers are confused and indiscipline.

They are also irregular at school because they are tired and fatigue to control a

class.

9.

The above table shall reveal the area of the study and the total population of the

study in Amida Sub Count

3.3 Sampling technique/method.

TABLE III Showing sample selection method

Respondent Total

Key Respondents

D.E.O/Head Teachers 10 10

Teachers 30 28

Pupils 140 102

Local communities 50 28

S.M.C 9 9

N.G.Os’ 1 1

TOTAL 240 178

The above table shall show the sample selection method to be taken.

Table IV Showing sampljpg methods

Respondent Sample Method

Key respondent, key 10 Purposive sampling

informants e.g D.E,O, Head

teachers.)

Teachers 28 Stratified random

sampling

Pupils 103 Simple random

sampling

Local communities 28 Simple random

sampling

S.M.C 9 Purposive sampling

N.G.O’s 1 Purposive sampling

Total 179

Table IV shows the method which shall be used to sample the respondents.

Sample

11

3.4.0 Data collection methods

The researcher shall use questioner on key respondent like D.E.O and Head

teachers because it quite effective.

The researcher shall use interview method on pupils, teachers, politicians and

local communities because it is cheap and quite flexible.

It can be adoptable and use on a big number of people.

The researcher shall documentation method on D.E.O and head teachers because

the information got is always valid and reliable. It’s also a flexible method of

obtaining information because you select the data you need.

A researcher shall observation method on local communities, pupils and teachers

because it can be use any time, cheap and it overcome language barriers.

The researcher shall use focus discussion group method on pupils and teachers; it

is easy to assemble groups of people. In formation got is always reliable

3.4.1 Questionnaire

This will be considered appropriate because they would cover large sample of

respondents allowed a reasonable degree of generalization of findings

Both close and open ended questionnaires shall be designed and distributed.

Use of open ended question enables the respondents to feel free and afford

them the opportunity to provide in depth responses. While close ended

questionnaire shall only provide responses.

3.4.2 Interview

Interview shall be employed to collect data from key respondents. This is applied

because this category of respondents doesn’t have time to fill the questionnaires.

Interviews also help to gather detailed information (Mugenda and Mugenda

1995)

3.4.3 Observation

Observation shall be used to gather information on observable areas. The~

researcher shall physically access and verify on the existing items in the schools.

3.5.0 Data collection instruments

3.5.1 Questionnaire

12

Is a device for securing questions and answers by using a form which the

respondents fill by her/himself. Semi and structured questionnaire shall be

designed and employed to gather information from pupils, teachers and Head

teachers.

3.5.2 Interview guide

This is a tool which the researcher uses as a guide for his/her interview. It helps

the researcher to gather data from key informants. The key informants here

include the Teachers, Head teachers, Pupils, School management committees,

D.E.O and Local communities.

3.5.3 Observation check list

This calls for researchers understanding on what to record and doesn’t need biasness. The

researcher drafts a list of items which he intend to observe in the field T.

3.6 Procedure for data collection

The researcher shall submit in her proposal to the supervisor, after approval of the

proposal, the letter shall be given to the D.E.O and C.A.O.The letter of

introduction from KIU shall be issued to the D.E.O, C.A.O where need be,

another letter shall be given to the researcher introducing her to the field were

data shall be collected.

3.7 Data analysis method

Data shall first be presented on the statistical packages which include tables

graphs and pie charts and analysis shall be done accordingly.

3.8 Data reliability and validity

The researcher shall apply pre testing in parish of Akworo and Akworo P/S. This

shall be done to ensure reliability and consistency of inferences.

3.9.0 Ethical consideration

3.9.lThe researcher shall observe all the ethical issues and respect the views of

the respondent as far as confidentiality and anonymity is concerned.

3.9.2 Anonymity

The researcher shall make sure that any behavior which would bring humiliation

and tension among the respondents will be prevented.

13

CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION.

4.0. INTRODUCTION

The findings of this research are based mainly on questionnaire observation, and

interview methods of collecting data. A sample of (204) two hundred four

questionnaires were distributed but one hundred seventy (170) were returned.

The finding of the study will be presented and inteipreted, discussed,

4.1.0 Presentation and interpretation

4.1.1. How does indiscipline affect performance of pupils in Kitgum district,

Table (i) shows whether or not indiscipline was the source of poor performance.

Value No of respondents Percentage

True 156 92%

False 14 8%

Idonotknow 0 0%

Total 170 100%

Source; Primary.

The table shows that most of the respondents agree that indiscipline was the source of

poor performance which was represented by 92% as compared to 8% for those who do

not agree.

14

Table (ii) is to ascertain whether or not indiscipline pupils drop out of schools.


True 158 93%

False 12 7%

Idonotknow 0 0%

Total 170 100%

Source; Primary.

The table shows that majority of the respondents agree that indiscipline pupils drop out of

schools who were represented by 93% while those who do not agree were very few and

were represented by only 7%.

Table (iii) shows whether or not indiscipline teachers affect performance of pupils.


True 128 75%

False 36 21%

I do not know 06 4%

Total 170 100%

Source; Primary

According to the table, the greatest number of respondents agree that indiscipline

teachers affect performance of pupils; they were represented by 75% as compared to only

21% representation of those who do not agree.

15

Table (iv) showing whether or not indiscipline pupils do their assignment effectively.


True 158 93%

False 12 7°/a

Idonotknow 0 0%

Total 170 100%

Source; Primary

The majority of respondents who were represented by 93% agree that indiscipline pupils

do not do their assignment effectively as compared to small representation of 7% of those

who do not agree.

4.2.1. To what extent does poor syllabus coverage affect academic performance of

pupils in Kitgum district.

Table (v) shows whether or not poor syllabus coverage affect performance.


True 162 95%

False 8 5%

Idonotknow 0 0%

Total 170 100%

Source; Primary

The table shows that, majority of the respondents who were represented by 95% agree

that poor syllabus coverage affects performance as compared to those who do not agree

16

and were represented by only 5%. The finding show that poor syllabus coverage affect

performance.

Table (vi) shows whether or not poor syllabus coverage promotes laziness.


True 164 96%

False 6 4%

Idonotknow 0 0%

Total 170 100%

Source; Primary

According to the table, majority of the respondents by 96% agree that poor syllabus

coverage promotes laziness as compared to those who do not agree and they were

represented by only 4%. This therefore means poor syllabus coverage promotes laziness.

Table (vii) was to ascertain whether or not poor syllabus coverage encourage drop

out of pupils from schools.


True 132 78%

False 26 15%

Ido not know 12 7%

Total 170 100%

Source; Primary

17

The table shows that poor syllabus coverage encourages drop out of pupils from schools.

This was according to representation of 78% of the majority of the respondents compared

to 15% representation of those who do not agree.

4.2.3. How does drunkardness affect acadeniics performance of pupils in Kitgum

district?

Table (viii) shows whether or not parents who drink do not provide basic needs to

their children at school.


True 158 93%

False 12 7%

Jdonotknow 0 0%

Total 170 100%

Source; Primary

The table shows that parents who drink alcohol do not provide basic needs to their

children at school and were represented by percentage of 93% of the respondents who

agree.

Table (ix) shows that whether or not teachers who

effectively in classes.

drink alcohol do not perform


True 142 84%

False 24 14%

Idonotknow 4 2%

Total 170 100%

Source; Primary

18

The table shows that 84% representation of the respondents agree that teachers who drink

alcohol do not perfonn effectively in class as compared to 14% representation of the

respondents of those who do not agree. This shows that teachers who drink alcohol do not

perfonn effectively in classes.

Table (x) shows whether or not 1 18 ivho drink alcohol do not do assignment

effectively.


True 168 99%

False 2 1%

I do not know 0 0%

Total 170 100%

Source; Primary

The table shows that pupils who drink alcohol do not do assignment effectively as agreed

by the majority of the respondents who were represented by 99% while those who do not

agree were only represented by 1%.

4.3. DISCUSSION

4.3.1 Indiscipline and performance

Discipline is an important factor as far as education is concerned. People who are

indiscipline find it difficult to fit in any society. Indiscipline teachers and pupils are

usually suspended or even dismissed from schools as they do not follow instruction given

at school. They usually contravene the laws. In a situation when an indiscipline teacher is

suspended from school the subject he or she teaches suffers, hence poor performance.

The finding also conforms to Roynald C. (1978) who writes that parent’s act as model of

responsibility to their children. In an even where parents fail to guide their children, they

become indiscipline at school. Teachers and pupils who are indiscipline are full of chaos,

19

fighting and neglected roles to play which definitely affect performance. In most cases

indiscipline pupils do not do their assignment effectively as they miss classes and failure

to concentrate in class activities. Children learn to be responsible by seeing what their

parents and teachers do. Surely children’s behaviors are affected by the press of social

changes, but many of their problems are stimulated by day to day experience within the

home and school. According to Wright C. (1998) the foundation of learning well in

schools can be built by the parent in the earliest year of a child life. From birth a child

feels loved, secure, and approval is more likely to have the desire and the confident to

learn rapidly.

4.3.2. Syllabus and performance

Fully syllabus coverage is an important factor in the performance of a pupil at school.

The weakness in performance is attributed by poor syllabus coverage. Which could be

revealed out when pupils sit for the national examination that is Primary Leaving

Examination (P.L.E) or any other joint examination result? Poor syllabus coverage may

also be on the side of both pupils and teachers. Teachers who are indiscipline do not

prepare adequately to deliver sufficient content or they even miss school and as a result

pupils do not learn all what they were supposed to. At the end of the education all year

calendar pupil’s performance is affected drastically as they could perform poorly. On the

side of pupils poor performance still emanates as a result of indiscipline. Indiscipline

pupils miss classes or even do fail to concentrate in their class activities hence poor

performance it is because they find learning difficult and they drop out of school. It is

also noted that poor syllabus coverage promotes laziness as pupils lose interest in

studying because they could not perform. The finding is in line with what Henry W.

(1991) writes about. According to him alcohol consumers perform poorly on test giving

at school because of missing classes. Children who come from drunken families miss

classes due to inconvenience at home caused by alcohol effects, hence poor performance

at school. Children end up dropping out of school because of failure to performance as

syllabus has not been fully covered.

20

20

4.3.3. Drunkardnesss and performance.

Alcohol has several physiological effect which inhibit the performance of a person.

Cognitive abilities are affected by even small amount of alcohol and can persist for a

substantive period of time. For example alcohol impairs memory by inhibiting the

transfer and consolidation of information learnt, it also reduces the attention span. Long

term use of alcohol can result in the adulteration even death of brain cells. Alcohol can

cause damage to the connection between the nerve cells and causes irreversibility brain

damage including memory loss and personality changes Moray et a! (2003) consent that

children who drink alcohol put less effort when competing in test or any class work as

they become fatigued. Vorster et a! (2003) state that alcohol delays recall of items learnt

at school. Alcohol also reduces memory which makes some pupils not to perform

effectively or even do not do their assignment effectively because of loss if memory.

Parents who drink alcohol do not provide basic needs to their pupils; they do not check

on their children’s work or even give more encouragement. Drunkard parents first of all

do not save money as their money is daily used to buy alcohol. They prefer sparing some

money to but alcohol instate of procuring basic needs to their children. Drunkard pupils

are irregular at school hence poor syllabus coverage, they even contribute very little in

classes since they lack interest in learning, and they are tired and fatigued. Drunkard

teachers do not teach effectively since they have no time to prepare their lesson schemes

and lesson plans. They are ever irregular at school because they are tired and fatigue to

control a class.

21

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS.

The summary of findings were in relation to the research objectives.

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of alcohol on the academic

performance of pupils in Kitgum district, Amida Sub County. The researcher

found out that:

5.1.2 Indiscipline was the source of poor performance as alcohol reduces their attention

span and makes them lose memory of what was learnt at school. Indiscipline

pupils drop out of school as they become chaotic and later dismissed. Indiscipline

pupils do not do their assignment effectively because they do not concentrate in

class work as their attention span is reduced by alcohol. Indiscipline teachers

affect performance of pupils because they do not teach effectively, they are absent

from school from time to time.

5.1.3 Poor syllabus coverage affect performance, promotes laziness and encourage

drop out of pupils from school. Poor syllabus coverage leads to poor grades in

schools at the end of the year. Since pupils have shallow knowledge.

5.1.4 Parents who drink alcohol do not provide basic needs to their pupils because they

only spare money for alcohol. Drunkard teachers do not perform effectively in

class as alcohol takes most of the time for lesson preparation and absent them

selves from school hence poor syllabus coverage. Pupils who drink alcohol do not

do their assignment effectively as alcohol leads to loss of memory.

5.2. CONCLUSION

From the findings the researcher concluded that children drink alcohol because

they copy what is done at home by their parents as some times they are sent to test

the most concentrated brew. Roynald C. (1978) notes that parents act as models

22

of responsibility to their children. Children learn to be responsible by seeing what

their parents and teachers do. Surely the effect of alcohol promotes indiscipline in

children as well as teachers. Poor performance at school is attributed by

indiscipline of both teachers and children as children do not concentrate at school.

Lack of concentration as caused by alcohol effect as it reduces children memory

and attention span. Indiscipline teachers do not prepare their lesson and do not

teach effectively. The irregularities of teachers at school make them not to have

good syllabus coverage and at the end of it all performance is affected.

Irresponsible parents fail to provide basic needs to their children at school because

they spare some money for buying alcohol for themselves. Children who are

indiscipline normally perform poorly or even drop out of school. Teachers and

parents should work together to enhance good performance at school. Alcohol

consumption indeed has adverts effects on education and the community at large.

5.3. RECOMMENDATION.

Pupils should report to higher authorities the parents who fail to provide basic

needs due to over consumption of alcohol.

Pupils should avoid bad peer groups, they should report to administrators of the

school drunkard pupils.

Drunkard teachers during school hours should be dismissed.

Teachers and pupils should avoid being absent from school since it affects

syllabus coverage.

School administrators should form school rules and regulations to guide pupils to

minimize indiscipline.

Teachers should plan and teach their lessons in accordance to the syllabus

coverage regularly.

23

Parents should reinforce discipline from their homes since it affects performance.

They should report their children to higher authorities if they have failed to

discipline their children.

Parents should carry out daily school visits to check on the conduct of both the

teachers and pupils. They should also be sensitive to stop sending their children

especially girls to sell alcohol as it limits time for private studies ~nd le~ids to

early marriages and defilement.

The community around school should join hand with school administration to see

that discipline is reinforces in their school.

Head teachers should be accountable to SMC as well as t the parents about the

school performance as teachers also account to the head teacher on syllabus

coverage and the general performance of pupils.

Every stalk holder should reinforce law bunning the consumption of alcohol to

persons below 18 years as stipulated in Uganda National Constitution.

Finally both local council one (LC1) and three (LC3) should enact laws to

regulate the sale and alcohol consumption time.

24

Bibliography

Hams C. and Reynold B. (1998). How to teach children responsibility.

Sandra A. and Wendy S. (2001). Essential concepts for healthy living 2~’

Edition

Teachers’ code of conduct (1996)

Richard C. etal (1995) Health and social care 2’~ Edition

Heinemann Educational Publisher Oxford

Brain A. etal (2007) KS3 visual Revision Guide

Maicibi N. Aihas (2005) Education: The Iron Certain. Netmedia Publisher

Ltd, Kampala

Mabel K. and Fred K. (2005) Marriage and Lasting Relationship, Mukon

Bookshop Publishing Co, Ltd Kampala

Wayne G. Boulton etal (1994) From Christ to the world, Eedmans

Publishing Company Michigan

John C. Wright (1993) Children for Health. British Library, Publication

David N. and Elly 0. (1998) Health Education. Publishing Department,

Nairobi

Act 13 Education Act (2008)

Presley CA Meilman PW, Cashin Jr, Lyerin R, Alcohol and Drugs on

American College Campuses: use, consequences, and perception of the

campuses. More research is needed Anecdotal Evid.

Wechsier H. Binge Drinking on American College Campuses: Anew look

at an old problem, Boston: Harvard school of Public Health (1995).

25

APPENDIX I

Budget

Item Amount (UGX)

Stationeries 50,000/=

Travel 100,000/=

Services (Typing, printing, photocopying and binding) 150,000/=

Research assistance 100,000/=

Contingency 200,000/=

Total 600,000/=

26

Time frame

Topic identification

Writing proposal

First draft proposal

Final draft

Activities JA F M AP M JU JU A SE 0 N

N E A RI A N LYU P CTO

BR L Y V

Writing dissertation

Presentation

27

APPENDIX II

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR KEY RESPONDENTS. DEO, HEAD TEACHERS AND

TEACHERS

You have been chosen to participate in this research study titled “The effect of

Alcoholism on academic performance in primary schools in Arnida Sub County Kitgum

district.

The information given shall be kept confidential.

Answer the questions by either filling in the blank spaces with correct information or by

ticking the correct options as the case may be.

1. (a) Name of the school:___________________

Grade:___________________________________

(b) Gender: Male FemaleL

(c) Age Bracket:

18-22 _____

23-27

28-32 133-37

38-42 L43-47 L 148-above

28

Indiscipline and performance

Statement Response

True I don’t know False

Indiscipline is the source of

poor performance in Kitgurn

district.

Indiscipline pupils drops out of

school

Indiscipline teachers affects

performance of pupils

Indiscipline pupils do their

assignment effectively.

25Syllabus and Performance.

Statement Response


Poor syllabus coverage affects

performance

Poor syllabus coverage

encourages dropout of pupils

from school

Poor syllabus coverage promote

laziness.

29

Drunkardness and Performance

Statement Response


Teachers who drink Alcohol do

not perform effectively in class.

Pupils who drink alcohol do not

do assignment effectively.

Parents who drink alcohol do

not provide basic needs to their

~upils.

30

APPENDIX III

Researchers’ interview guide

1. In your own view what are the problems caused by alcoholism in your school?

2. What are the causes of poor performance in schools?

3. What have the school authority done to~ solve the above problems?

4. What are the responsibilities of parents in providing support to their children’s

formal Education?

5. Suggest some ways in which the school can stop pupils from taking alcohol?

6. Why do you think alcoholism should be discouraged?

7. How does alcoholism affects academic performance?

8. How does the community around the school view alcoholism?

9. What is your denomination?

10. According to your re] igionldenomination; how do you view Alcoholism?

31

Documents

THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOLISM ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE …