INFLUENCE OF HOME ENVIRONMENT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF LOWER BASIC PUPILS IN OREDO LOCAL GOVERMENT AREA

This study investigates the influence of home environment on the academic performance of lower basic pupils in Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City. The research objectives was to determine how various aspects of the home environment, including the availability of educational resources, family structure, and parental involvement affect pupils' learning outcomes. The study employs a descriptive survey design, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 100 teachers selected from nine public primary schools in the area. The instrument was validated by three lecturers in the institute of education. The data was analyzed frequency counts, simple percentage, mean and standard deviation. The findings reveal that a supportive home environment significantly enhances children's academic performance. Access to educational materials such as books, computers, and educational toys is positively correlated with better academic outcomes. The study also highlights that children from stable family structures and those receiving active parental support and involvement, such as assistance with homework and participation in school activities, perform better academically. Conversely, children from homes with many siblings, fractionalized homes, or single-parent households tend to have lower academic performance due to less individualized attention and support. The study concludes that the home environment plays a crucial role in shaping the academic success of lower basic pupils. It was therefore recommended that parents should provide educational resources at home, fostering a stable family environment, and promoting active parental involvement in their xi children's education. These findings underscore the need for collaborative efforts between teachers and parents to create conducive learning environments both at home and in school.