Effects of single parenting on student’s academic performance: A case study at Amamoma Presbyterian junior high school

Abstract

The phenomenon of single parenting is a social problem in various countries in the world today. It has become a global concern which deprives many school children the opportunity to attain academic excellence in their lives and excellent labour factor for national productivity and progress. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of single parenting on the academic performance among the students of Amamoma Presbyterian Junior High School in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The study aimed to contribute to knowledge by shedding light on the effect of single-parenting on the academic performance of student’s. The study again aimed to come out with evidence that will generate enough data for teachers, social workers, counsellors, psychologists and parents on the effects of single parenting on students’ academic performance. To accomplish this, the researchers employed descriptive survey as the research design. The study sample consisted of 47 students who were identified to be living under single parents. The instrument used for data collection was solely questionnaires. The key findings of the study revealed that, a larger percentage of the respondents are sometimes depressed and not emotionally sound and this makes them feel uncomfortable in their academic pursuit. Again, the results of the study showed that single parents do not regularly monitor and supervise the academic progress of their wards and in effect, these children are normally not provided with the necessary learning materials to aid their learning. It was concluded that single parenting is a social cancer in Amamoma Presbyterian Junior High and its leads to poor academic performance. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that parents should be educated on the effects of single parenting on their wards academic performance through workshops, seminars and the mass media. This will help them to be more responsible towards their children education.