Socio-economic background as correlates on academic performance of students : a case of agricultural science students in University of Mpumalanga.

Abstract

The study examined the socio-economic background as correlates on academic performance of students in University of Mpumalanga. The objectives of the study were: i) to investigate the impact of household characteristics on academic outcomes of students. ii) determine the relationship between access to home resources and academic achievement of students. Random sampling was used to select 60 males and females from first year diploma in plant production and bachelor qualifications. The range for result from first semester was categorized for all courses offered. The data obtained were analysed using logistic regression to determine relationship between the listed socio-economic variables and academic performance of participating students. Language of expression at home (β= -4.698, P< 0.022); Parental assistance (β =5.583, Pd< 0.028) and Home Learning Resources (β= 4.069, P< 0.045) were predictive of academic achievement respectively. The study concluded that parental assistance is credible and fluency and literacy in a child’s home language assists in laying a mental and linguistic foundation for learning.