The influence of peer group on academic performance of adolescent students in secondary schools in Tanzania

 

Mary A. Mosha

 

Full Length Research Paper I Published December,2017

 

Research Journal of Educational Studies and Review Vol. 3 (1), pp. 18-26.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the influence of peer group on adolescent students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Tanzania. To achieve the objective of the study, three research questions were formulated. A total of 144 participants (120 students and 24 teachers) were involved in the study. The sample was purposively selected from two secondary schools (one government and one private). Instruments used were interview checklists and questionnaires. The study applied case study design. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were utilized in the study. The study established that peer group had both positive and negative influence on adolescent students’ academic performance at the selected schools. Comparatively, the influence was found higher in government than the private owned secondary schools. It was further established that peers relationship, socialization, environment, globalization, and drug use had a great influence in determining students’ academic performance. Based on the findings, guidance and counseling services were recommended at the schools for purposes of building self-confidence. It might help the students cope with challenges that were found to affect their performance at schools. Additionally, the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training should provide in-service training to teachers on guidance and counseling in order for them to modify adolescent students’ behavior and attitude to develop a good identity.

Key Words: Personalities, attitude, perception, maturation, communication.

 

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