Assessment of learning difficulties in economics among senior secondary school students in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area.

Abstract

The importance of Economics education to any nation is to enable both leaders and citizens to understand the basic economics concepts and the principles needed to improve the economic situation of the individual country. Several studies have been carried out to investigate students' attitude towards Economics as a school subject. The purpose of this study is to assess the learning difficulties in economics among senior secondary school students in Lagos mainland local government. Two research questions and one research hypothesis were raised and tested for this study. The sample comprises of 100 senior secondary school students selected randomly from five public schools. The research design adopted for this study was descriptive type of survey. The instrument used for data collection in this study was a self-designed questionnaire. Research question one and two were answered using frequency count, percentage and mean while t-test was used to test the research hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Findings showed that, perceived difficult concepts in Economics by senior secondary school students are Nigerian Economic Sectors, Economic Theories, Market Structure, Public Finance, International Economic Organizations and Economic Growth and Development. Another finding showed that, there was no significant difference in students' learning difficulties in Economics based on gender. It wasre commended that; Adequate attention and preparation should be given to those identified difficult concepts in Economics during teaching and learning processes. This will enable the students to overcome those difficulties.