DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS EDUCATION.
Abstract
This study evaluated undergraduates’ experiences in a few University of Ilorin faculties about their quality of education. A student’s academic, social, and personal experiences in a university setting are all included in the multifaceted concept of the quality of school life. In order to establish a representative sample and gain insight into the perspectives and experiences of undergraduates regarding the quality of school life, the study concentrated on students from particular faculties. A mixed-methods strategy was used in the research, including quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. To gather quantitative data on the several aspects of the quality of school life, such as academic engagement, social interactions, campus environment, support services, and personal well-being, a questionnaire survey was conducted. In order to gather qualitative information, focus groups and in-depth interviews were also held. This allowed for a deeper investigation of the experiences, difficulties, and recommendations made by students for enhancing their time in school.
The results of this study will offer insightful information about the elements that support or undermine University of Ilorin undergraduate students’ enjoyment of their academic experience. The findings will provide insight into the areas that need attention and improvement to improve students’ overall educational experience to the university administration, legislators, and other stakeholders. This research can aid in the creation of successful tactics and regulations meant to promote a constructive and encouraging learning environment by pinpointing certain problem areas and viable solutions.
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
- Background of the Study
Evaluating undergraduate students’ quality of school life is crucial to comprehending the student experience and pinpointing areas in need of development. An environment that is encouraging and supportive of learning that promotes both academic and personal development is referred to as quality school life. Good school life describes a happy and rewarding experience for pupils while they are in school. It entails establishing a setting that supports the learning, development, and wellbeing of every student. Involving the family and the community in the classroom can enhance learning and promote the wellbeing of students while strengthening linkages between the school and the community. Academic and social success is more likely for students who have access to resources and assistance. This can involve having access to extracurricular activities, counseling, and academic support programs. According to a 2011 study by Hwang and Evans, a quality educational atmosphere fosters kids’ sense of autonomy and self-determination. This entails giving students the freedom to choose and make decisions, providing a demanding and pertinent curriculum, and creating a welcoming school community.
A quality school life is thought to be influenced by a number of factors, including a safe and welcoming environment where all students, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, religion, or cultural background, feel valued and accepted. Policies and procedures that support safety, stop bullying, and stop prejudice should be implemented in schools. Additionally, a stimulating and demanding curriculum that motivates students to study and experiment with new concepts is essential to a great undergraduate education. It need to be applicable to students’ daily lives and give them chances to use what they’ve learned in practical settings. A study by Sirin and Fine (2008) found that a feeling of connection and belonging to the school community is a defining characteristic of a high-quality school experience.Positive interactions between students and instructors, chances for student participation and leadership, and a school climate that celebrates diversity and encourages social-emotional learning are all examples of this. Teachers, staff, and students must have supportive connections for there to be a high-quality school experience. Students should have the chance to build healthy relationships with adults in the school community as well as with their classmates. It’s important to remember that a good school experience includes a variety of extracurricular activities that let students explore their interests and grow as individuals outside of the classroom. These pursuits can involve clubs, volunteer work, athletics, music, and theater. It is also relatable that encouraging students’ health and wellbeing is a key component of a quality undergraduate education. To ensure that a quality education extends beyond students’ academic achievement and into their overall well-being, schools should offer resources and assistance for students’ physical, social, and emotional health.
A quality school environment is one that fosters academic success, social-emotional development, and personal growth, according to Khwaja, Fatima, and Qureshi (2015). This entails a demanding and pertinent curriculum, chances for student engagement and leadership, and a friendly school environment. Academic performance and general well-being of undergraduates can be strongly impacted by the quality of their school experience. A healthy school atmosphere, where kids feel protected, supported, and valued, is characterised by great school life, according to Kothari and Mandloi (2013). This includes chances for extracurricular activities and personal growth, as well as a nurturing learning atmosphere and strong interactions between students and teachers. Studies have indicated that a better quality of school life can be attributed to a number of factors, including a supportive peer and faculty community, easy access to resources, and a healthy school climate. Undergraduates’ quality of life in school can be adversely affected by a number of issues, such as stress, workload, financial worries, and social isolation. It is also important to remember that these problems can result in poorer academic achievement, a decline in motivation, and even mental health difficulties.
Shernoff et al. (2016), defined quality school life as a school environment that promotes engagement and motivation among students. This includes a challenging and relevant curriculum, opportunities for student involvement and leadership, and a school culture that values and supports student achievement. In order to improve the quality of school life for undergraduates, universities can focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, providing academic and emotional support services, and offering opportunities for social engagement and extracurricular activities. By prioritizing the well-being of their students, universities can help to ensure that undergraduates have a positive and successful college experience
- Statement of Problem
The problem at hand is the need to evaluate and assess the overall quality of school life experienced by undergraduate students within specific faculties at the University of Ilorin. This research aims to address the lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the various factors influencing the well-being and satisfaction levels of students in their academic environment. By examining the key elements that contribute to the quality of school life, such as educational resources, campus facilities, social interactions, extracurricular activities, and support services, this study aims to shed light on areas that require improvement or enhancement. The assessment will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the university’s educational system, allowing for informed decision-making and the development of strategies to enhance the overall student experience. Ultimately, the findings will contribute to fostering a more conducive and enriching learning environment for undergraduate students, promoting their personal growth, academic success, and overall well-being
1.3 Objectives of the Study
This study aims at assessing the influences of quality school life on undergraduates. The specific objectives of this research are:
- To identify the factors that contribute to the quality of school life among undergraduate students.
- Todetermine the relationship that exists between academic performance and quality of school life.
- To examine the relationship between the quality of school life and the well-being of undergraduate students.
- To suggest strategies and interventions to improve the quality of school life for undergraduate students, based on the findings of the study
1.4 Research Questions
In order to achieve the aims and objective of this study, the following research questions are expected to guide the study
- What factors contribute to the quality of school life among undergraduates?
- What relationship exists between academic performance and quality of school life?
- Which relationship exists between the quality of school life and the well-being of undergraduate students?
- What strategies can be employed to improve the quality of school life for undergraduate students?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Below is the hypothesis to be tested;
- (H1): There is no significant relationship between the selected faculties at the University of Ilorin and the quality of school life among undergraduates.
1.6 Significance of The Study
Studying the quality of school life among undergraduates can provide valuable insights into the experiences and challenges that students face in their academic and personal lives. there are several reasons why studying the quality of school life among undergraduates is significant to undergraduates and researchers. Students, researchers and the general society benefit from the study of the quality of life of undergraduates. The results of the research will improve student retention by understanding the factors that contribute to a positive school experience, institutions can create policies and programs that increase student retention and graduation rates. The results of the research will serve as a bedrock for other researchers in related fields. Generally, the results of this research are significant to the outside society of academics because of the broad understanding it will contribute to renowned knowledge in human existence.
Conclusively, this study will serve a great value to the body of literature and society at large because it shows society the impact of quality school life among undergraduates
1.7 Scope of The Study
The emphasis of this project is the assessment of quality school life among undergraduates in selected faculties of the University of Ilorin which means that the researcher will focus on the impacts quality school life has on academic performance, social life, mental health and general activities of students in some selected faculties in University of Ilorin, Kwara State. The scope of this study is limited to the University of Ilorin because undergraduates who form the basis of the research have similar objectives when it comes to school life. Time and financial constraints are also important components of the Researcher’s limitations to selected faculties in the University of Ilorin, Kwara state.
The sampling technique that will be used for this study will be Simple random sampling where the population contain a finite number and each and everyone in the population has the chance of being selected in the sample. And also, the population is homogeneous which means the population contains the same types of characteristics that are needed for the study. This study is going to demonstrate the types of web-based information resources, the benefits of web-based information resources, the factors affecting the utilization of web-based information resources and the solution to the challenges.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The study’s findings are based on a selected sample of undergraduates from specific faculties at the University of Ilorin. This sampling approach may limit the generalizability of the results to the entire student population or other universities. The study’s findings may not accurately represent the experiences of undergraduates in other faculties or universities, thus reducing the external validity of the research. The study relies on self-reported data collected through questionnaires. While this method allows researchers to gather information directly from the participants, it is subject to response biases. Participants may provide socially desirable responses, leading to inaccuracies or an incomplete understanding of their true experiences. Additionally, the use of questionnaires may limit the depth of information collected, as they often focus on predetermined factors and may not capture the full range of variables that influence the quality of school life.
Another limitation is the potential for recall bias. The study may require participants to recall past experiences or events, which can be influenced by memory limitations or subjective interpretations. Participants may not accurately remember or report certain aspects of their school life, leading to potential inaccuracies in the data. The study’s cross-sectional design captures data at a specific point in time, offering a snapshot of quality school life among undergraduates. Longitudinal studies that follow participants over an extended period would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the quality of school life and how they may change over time.
In conclusion, while the study “Assessment of Quality School Life Among Undergraduates in Selected Faculties of the University of Ilorin” offers valuable insights, it is important to acknowledge its limitations. The findings may not be generalizable to other faculties or universities, and the use of self-reported data, potential response biases, recall bias, and limitations in research design and measurement instruments should be taken into consideration when interpreting the results.
1.9 Definition of Basic Concept
Assessment: assessment refers to the process of gathering, analyzing and interpreting information or evidence about an individual knowledge or skills, abilities or performance in order to make informed decisions about their learning and development
Quality: this can be defined as the degree to which something meets or exceeds expectations, standards, or specifications. It further refers to overall excellence.
School life: school life refers to the period of time during which a student attends school, including the activities, experiences and interactions that occur within the educational setting.
Undergraduates: undergraduates generally refer to students who are pursuing a post-secondary education at a college or university, and are yet to complete their bachelor’s degree.
