Self-Discipline Variables and the Study Habits of Secondary School Students in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

The study investigated the relationship between self-discipline variables and the study habits of secondary school students in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Three research questions and three corresponding null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a correlational research design. The population of the study consisted of 6,437 senior secondary two students in public secondary schools in the Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, from which a sample of 715 students was selected using a simple random sampling technique through balloting without replacement. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled Self-Discipline Variables and Study Habits Questionnaire (SDSHQ). The instrument consisted of two sections, with Section A measuring punctuality, task completion, and time management, while Section B measured study habits. The reliability of the instrument was established using the Cronbach Alpha method, and an overall reliability coefficient of 0.83 was obtained. Data collected were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) statistics to answer research questions and test hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that punctuality significantly relates to study habits of secondary school students with a moderate positive relationship (r = 0.532, p < .05). The findings also showed that task completion significantly relates to study habits with a strong positive relationship (r = 0.778, p < .05). Furthermore, time management significantly relates to study habits with a strong positive relationship (r = 0.742, p < .05). The study concluded that self-discipline variables, namely punctuality, task completion, and time management, are important determinants of positive study habits among secondary school students. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that secondary school administrators in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State should organize regular seminars and workshops aimed at improving students’ self-discipline, particularly in punctuality, task completion, and effective time management for academic activities.