International Research Journal of Education and Technology

This study aimed to examine parental personal characteristics and pupils’ academic performance in the English Language in CalabarSouth LGA of Cross River State, Nigeria. Implication on Psychology. The study adopted the ex post facto research design. The study considered family income and the academic qualification of parents. The population comprised eight hundred and twenty-one (821) pupils which represents (50) pupils from the 12 wards in Calabar South. The sampling technique adopted for this study is the simple random sampling technique. The main instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire designed by the researcher with the help of the supervisor. Validation of the instrument was established by using experts in Measurement and Evaluation and educational psychology in the Faculty of Education. The experts and supervisor certifying that the instrument was face valid and could be used for the study after vetting the items developed. To determine the reliability of the instrument (questionnaire) pilot testing was done using forty (40) primary six pupils. Test retests method of reliability estimate of the instrument .after the administration, the coefficient of internal consistency was determined with Cronbach alpha reliability and the index ranged from .78 to .94. The method of data analysis depends on each hypothesis. Each hypothesis of the study is re-stated here and the variable in it is identified and the independent t-test analysis was used to test the hypotheses. All the hypotheses are tested at a .05 level of significance. The findings revealed that family income does significantly influence pupils’ academic performance in the English Language. Also, the academic qualification of parents does have a significant influence on pupils’ academic performance in English Language. It was recommended among others that since the home environment plays a major role in ascertaining the academic performance of pupils hence parents must be encouraged to create a conducive environment to aid children in achieving better performance academically.

Keywords: parental Personal, characteristics, Academic and performance