THE EFFECT OF STUDENTS' NETWORK ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF FOUR SELECTED GRADE 11 STUDENTS IN CENTERAL ZONE OF TIGRAI

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of students’ network on academic performances of students. To this end, a descriptive survey design was selected and the research employed various data collection methodologies and processed both primary and secondary data sources using quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques. The study was conducted among grade eleventh teachers and students. Four preparatory schools found in central zone were randomly selected out of twelve preparatory schools found in the central. A total of randomly selected 369 respondents (i.e. 14 teachers and 355 students) participated in the study by filling in the questionnaire prepared for data collection. In addition, classroom observation was conducted and interviews with school principals were held. The data collected was analyzed using frequency distribution and percentage. These were triangulated with qualitative data obtained from the observations and interviews. The findings of the study revealed that the effect of students’ network that achieves their performance less effective. However, both teachers and students have positive perception on students’ network impact on academic performance. Besides, the school teachers confirmed that this teaching method benefits more to students. Nonetheless, the student respondents strongly disagree with the relevance of students’ network and considered it as wastage of time. They also lacked motivation to actively participate in this teaching method. The researcher strongly suggests that teachers should motivate the students in preparatory schools to use students’ network method for the positive effect of the students’ performance. Further research is needed for a low perception of students towards students’ network need to be done thoroughly.