The impact of learners' socio economic status on their academic performance in English language:

Abstract

Peer pressure has been highlighted as of great relevance in shaping the performance of children in schools worldwide. This research therefore investigated the effect of learners’ socioeconomic status on their academic performance in English language in the selected secondary schools in Kapchorwa municipality, eastern region of Uganda. The objective of the study was, to find out the influence of peer pressure on learners’ academic performance in English language, the researcher was guided by the following question; how learners’ socialization with others in the community does affects their performance in English language? The researcher used the descriptive research design, the respondents were, head teachers, teachers, students and parents. The sample size was 15 students, 10 parents, 8 teachers and 1 head teacher. Questionnaire guides and interview guides were used as research instruments. The methods of data analysis were qualitative and quantitative methods. The researcher found out that peer pressure had a big influence on learners’ performance in English language. She recommended that parents and school administrators should take a step in organizing guidance and counselling sessions for the learners so that they get to know the type of peers they get involved in.