Self-efficacy, emotional intelligence and birth order as predictors of academic performance among secondary school students in Kajola Local Government Area Oyo state, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated self-efficacy, emotional intelligence and birth order as predictors of academic performance among  secondary school students in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Descriptive research design of ex-post-facto was used in the study. Two hundred and fifty five respondents were selected from secondary schools in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. The respondents were assessed using standardized scales and the data obtained was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Multiple Regression Statistical analysis of SPSS. Three research Questions were raised and answered using descriptive statistics. The results showed that academic performance of secondary school students was significantly correlated with self-efficacy (r = .813; p<.05), emotional intelligence (r = .713; p<.05) and birth order (r = .601; p<.05); the independent variables (self-efficacy, emotional  intelligence and birth order) when pulled together have significant effect on the students’ academic performance (R adjusted) =.814 and R² (adjusted) =.766) and each of the   independent variables made a significant contribution to the prediction of students’ academic performance. In term of magnitude of contribution, emotional intelligence made the most significant contribution (Beta= .761; t= 11.256; p<0.05) to the prediction. Other variables made significant contributions in the following order: self-efficacy (Beta= .273; t= 3.283; p<0.05) and birth order (Beta= .134; t= 2.335; p<0.05). In view of the findings, the study advocated that students need to be trained on how to improve their academic efficacy and emotional  intelligence and school counsellors should intensify their efforts through to organize seminars/conferences on the implications of self-efficacy, emotional intelligence and birth order on the students’ academic performance.

Keywords: Self-Efficacy, Emotional Intelligence, Birth Order, Academic Performance