RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAMILY COMMUNICATION PATTERNS, CLASS ATTENDANCE AND CLASS PARTCIPATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN BENUE AND NASARAWA STATES, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between family communication patterns, class attendance and class participation of secondary school students in Benue and Nasarawa States. Two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated and guided the study.The study employed a correlational design and the population of the study comprised 161,005 students, with Benue State having 62,463 students and Nasarawa having 98,543 students. These students were enrolled in 527 government-aided secondary schools located in Benue and Nasarawa States. Glenn formular was used to determine sample size.The sample size comprised384 from 294,207 students. The instruments on family communication patterns, class attendance and class participation scale questionnaire were subjected to face and content validation as well as a reliability test using Cronback Alpha which yielded reliability co-efficient of 0.78 to 0.88 respectively.Data collected were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to answer research questions, why linear regression was used to test hypotheses and determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study showed that family communication patterns have positive relationship between, class attendance and class participation. It was concluded that family communication patterns significantly relate to the class attendance and class participation of secondary school students. It was recommended amongst others that counselors and teachers should strive to create an inclusive classroom environment where students feel valued and encouraged to attend classes regularly. Also, counselors and teachers should strive to provide a classroom environment where students feel comfortable participating in discussions.