BILINGUALISM AS A DETERMINANT OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS AMONG STUDENTS AT BABCOCK UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

ABSTRACT

A study by Babcock University High School Students in Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, explored the influence of social responsibility on church development. The survey design and purposive sample approach were used to pick 450 Babcock University High School Students in Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. For data collection from respondents, a well-designed questionnaire that was rated valid and trustworthy was employed. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the data collected from the questionnaire administration. The findings demonstrated a link between bilingualism and academic achievement (r=0.772; p0.05). Bilingualism and academic performance have a positive and significant link (r=.896; p0.05). Bilingualism was shown to be a substantial predictor of academic achievement among Babcock University High School students in Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

The report also suggests that Babcock University offers French and other languages such as German, Spanish, and Chinese as GST courses in order to improve students’ quality in the outside world. Babcock University should assist other students who already possess the quality of bilingualism in obtaining employment in the embassy of the language in which the students specialize. Babcock University needs an urgent reassessment. Babcock University must adapt to its surroundings.

INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER ONE 1.1

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY: Academics, and success in them, is one among the numerous methods to advance in today’s contemporary society. Educators all across the globe are looking for innovative methods to help their pupils achieve academically. Numerous scientists and researchers have given various perspectives on how a student might achieve academically throughout the years. These ideas have influenced many educational approaches throughout the globe. Despite the plethora of resources, many students fail to meet the basic standards for graduation in their institutions. As a result, research is ongoing to ensure that the aforementioned statement does not become a reality.

This study will focus on one element, bilingualism, and how it affects a student’s academic progress. Academic performance is crucial for a variety of reasons. One compelling argument is that it assists pupils in preparing for future jobs. It gives pupils an advantage in the employment market. Academic performance is critical for those who want to pursue more competitive industries, such as medicine. Adults who are academically successful and have a high level of education are more likely to be employed, to have stable employment, to have more employment opportunities, to earn higher salaries, to have health insurance, to be less dependent on social assistance, to be less likely to engage in criminal activity, to be more active as citizens and charitable volunteers, and to be healthier and happier than those who have less education (Regier, 2011). Academic performance may have a significant impact on a student’s sense of self-worth.

Those who do well academically have more self-esteem than those who do not. A positive self-image is essential for academic performance. If a student arrives with poor self-esteem, it will influence the student’s performance in class. The student is unlikely to respond to questions posed by the instructor, and the student may sit at the back of the class to be ‘hidden’ from the teacher. This is often triggered by the student’s poor academic performance, but if this same student performed better academically, it might boost the student’s self-esteem. Academic performance is critical in developing decent citizens for society. Academic attainment is vital for the effective development of young people in society, (Regier, 2011). Students who do well in school are better prepared to enter adulthood and attain vocational and economic success.

These kids will go on to become contributing members of society. Academic accomplishment is critical in shaping a student’s thinking. Students acquire a variety of skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Critical thinking abilities will assist pupils in dissecting the world around them. A historical context may help to explain present happenings in society. Given the specialization necessary for many positions these days, young individuals entering the labor force must have a solid foundation of education and, in many instances, specific skills (Regier, 2011). (Ozzie, 1976) performed research that showed some pupils’ perspectives on academic accomplishment. Academic Success as a Goal Good grades helps you advance in life. Grades are vital while applying to colleges.

You cannot advance without a decent education. You will have nothing if you do badly in school. A decent education will assist you in making it in life. Individual Liberty of Choice This is exactly what I intend to accomplish. What I do is none of your concern. My focus is on school and academics. You have everything you want. I have everything I want. Poor grades are reserved for those who want them. You have the right to express yourself. The thoughts expressed above on the importance of academic achievement to various pupils. It demonstrates that pupils really want to achieve well in school. Some kids find academic success easy, while others struggle. Educators take on the responsibility of ensuring that students who are not progressing academically get the necessary assistance and education. They are always on the lookout for fresh information and ideas to assist their pupils in achieving academic achievement.

Bilingualism is not a new phenomenon; according to different statistics, more than half of the world’s population is multilingual (Harding and Riley, 1986). Simply described, bilingualism is the capacity to speak or comprehend two languages. Bilingualism is an optional but required method of effective two-way communication between two or more distinct language systems in two or more separate ‘worlds’ (Overbeke, 1972, citied Harding and Riley, 1986). The phrase may apply to either an individual or a civilization. Other concepts that are often used in the study of bilingualism include monolingualism and multilingualism. The capacity to speak just one language is known as monolingualism.

The capacity to speak more than two languages is referred to as multilingualism. Many individuals may learn bits and pieces of several languages throughout their lives, but this does not constitute them multilingual. There is a significant discrepancy between language groups in most nations where numerous languages are spoken: one is socially, economically, or politically dominated by the other (de Gruyter, 1987). The majority of the time, this is due to conquest or migration. The English language was brought to Nigeria during European colonialism, and it quickly became the dominant language for social and official contact. If the dominating group does not abandon its language but continues to use it in everyday life, at home, and among friends, the language may come to serve a regular role in the community as a sign of informality (de Gruyter, 1987).

As a result, many Nigerian households have become multilingual. However, many young Nigerians nowadays are unable to speak or comprehend their mother tongue. Because many parents refuse to teach their children their original languages, many young Nigerians today are proficient in English but have little or no proficiency in any other language. According to a story in the Vanguard News Paper Online, the Linguistic Association of Nigeria (LAN) warned that unless aggressive measures were taken, more than 50 minority languages in the nation might go extinct in a matter of years. The educational system in the nation isn’t helping matters. Indigenous languages are taught in schools as a subject,’ with little emphasis put on their relevance. This has progressed to the point that if a kid fails the subject ‘Igbo’ in the WASSCE, parents or instructors may not punish the student, but if the student fails English or any other essential courses, major reprimanding will occur. Simply said, English is seen as more essential than indigenous languages.

A student may join a university after failing an indigenous language test but passing the English exam. Views like the ones listed above are similar to those of professors who claimed that bilingualism was “bad for you.” Scholars such as Saer (1923) argued that bilingualism was harmful to a child’s cognitive development. Because these beliefs hindered bilingualism, many children growing up during that time period were not encouraged to learn more than one language. Some studies went so far as to suggest that “we are monolingual animals and it would be against our nature to learn and speak another language” – a claim that seems to be driven by ideology (Smart Words). Other researchers, such as Pearl and Lambert (1962), conducted experiments in which bilingual pupils outperformed their monolingual counterparts (Pearl and Lambert, 1962, cited in Harding and Riley, 1986, p.68). Different points of view resulted in various educational theories. These studies demonstrated that bilingualism may help a student’s intellectual growth, demonstrating the usefulness of bilingualism and its relationship to academic performance.

Numerous studies on bilingualism and academic performance as distinct factors have been undertaken, but few researchers have investigated the link between the two in Nigeria. This study seeks to determine the impact of bilingualism on academic achievement in order to assist students to understand the significance of bilingualism in connection to their academic success. 1.2 Problem Description The problem is that many pupils are failing to excel academically. The preceding remark is valid for a variety of reasons, but the reality remains that the situation has to change. According to the Punch Newspaper Online, just 1, 937 pupils out of 11,307 who sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination between January 29 and February 12, 2018, passed the minimum of credits in five subjects or above. This indicates that just 17.3% of applicants passed, while almost 83 percent of pupils failed. This outcome is pretty concerning! The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results were less optimistic, with just 25% of students scoring over 200. (Wahab, 2018).

It is also disheartening to realize that Nigeria has the most unschooled children in the world, according to the government (BBC News, 2017). There are many more troubling figures, and the purpose of this study is to determine what influence bilingualism plays in a student’s academic achievement. 1.3 Study Objectives The study’s goals will be listed below. To determine if bilingualism has any influence on cognitive performance. To examine if there is a link between bilingualism and academic achievement. 1.4 Research Issues Can bilingualism have a substantial impact on academic success? Will bilingualism have a substantial impact on academic achievement? 1.5 Research Proposal Bilingualism will not have a big impact on academic achievement. Bilingualism will not have a big impact on academic achievement. 1.6

Importance of Research This research will assist Nigerian teachers, students, educators, and parents. Students all around the nation are suffering academically and are always looking for strategies to improve their grades. Many issues have been researched in order to enhance educational circumstances in Nigeria. This research will help the aforementioned organizations understand what academic achievement involves and how bilingualism impacts its outcomes and will allow them to make appropriate implementation and modifications based on the findings. It will shed fresh light on bilingualism and academic performance, two topics that have received little attention in Nigeria. 1.7 Operational Terminology Definition Bilingualism is the capacity of a person to comprehend and talk in two languages with native-like fluency. Academic success is defined as a student meeting or above the basic educational criteria established by an institution.

Monolingualism is described as an individual’s capacity to grasp just one language with native-like fluency.

A study by Babcock University High School Students in Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, explored the influence of social responsibility on church development.

The survey design and purposive sample approach were used to pick 450 Babcock University High School Students in Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. For data collection from respondents, a well-designed questionnaire that was rated valid and trustworthy was employed. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the data collected from the questionnaire administration.

The findings demonstrated a link between bilingualism and academic achievement (r=0.772; p0.05). Bilingualism and academic performance have a positive and significant link (r=.896; p0.05).

Bilingualism was shown to be a substantial predictor of academic achievement among Babcock University High School students in Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. The report also suggests that Babcock University offers French and other languages such as German, Spanish, and Chinese as GST courses in order to improve students’ quality in the outside world. Babcock University should assist other students who already possess the quality of bilingualism in obtaining employment in the embassy of the language in which the students specialize. Babcock University needs an urgent reassessment. Babcock University must adapt to its surroundings.

1.1 The Study’s Background
Academics, and success in them, is one of the numerous methods to advance in today’s contemporary society.
Educators all across the globe are looking for innovative methods to help their pupils achieve academically. Numerous scientists and researchers have given various perspectives on how a student might achieve academically throughout the years. These ideas have influenced many educational approaches throughout the globe. Despite the plethora of resources, many students fail to meet the basic standards for graduation in their institutions. As a result, research is ongoing to ensure that the aforementioned statement does not become a reality. This study will focus on one element, bilingualism, and how it affects a student’s academic progress.

Academic performance is crucial for a variety of reasons. One compelling argument is that it assists pupils in preparing for future jobs. It gives pupils an advantage in the employment market. Academic performance is critical for those who want to pursue more competitive industries, such as medicine. Adults who are academically successful and have a high level of education are more likely to be employed, to have stable employment, to have more employment opportunities, to earn higher salaries, to have health insurance, to be less dependent on social assistance, to be less likely to engage in criminal activity, to be more active as citizens and charitable volunteers, and to be healthier and happier than those who have less education (Regier, 2011).

Academic performance may have a significant impact on a student’s sense of self-worth. Those who do well academically have more self-esteem than those who do not. A positive self-image is essential for academic performance. If a student arrives with poor self-esteem, it will influence the student’s performance in class. The student is unlikely to respond to questions posed by the instructor, and the student may sit at the back of the class to be ‘hidden’ from the teacher. This is often triggered by the student’s poor academic performance, but if this same student performed better academically, it might boost the student’s self-esteem.

Academic performance is critical in developing decent citizens for society. Academic attainment is vital for the effective development of young people in society, (Regier, 2011). Students who do well in school are better prepared to enter adulthood and attain vocational and economic success. These kids will go on to become contributing members of society.

Academic accomplishment is critical in shaping a student’s thinking. Students acquire a variety of skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Critical thinking abilities will assist pupils in dissecting the world around them. A historical context may help to explain present happenings in society. Given the specialization necessary for many positions these days, young individuals entering the labor force must have a solid foundation of education and, in many instances, specific skills (Regier, 2011).

(Ozzie, 1976) performed research that showed some pupils’ perspectives on academic accomplishment.

Academic Success as a Goal

Good grades help you advance in life.

Grades are vital while applying to colleges.

You cannot advance without a decent education.

You will have nothing if you do badly in school.

A decent education will assist you in making it in life.

Individual Liberty of Choice

This is exactly what I intend to accomplish.

What I do is none of your concern.

My focus is on school and academics.

You have everything you want. I have everything I want. Poor grades are reserved for those who want them. You have the right to express yourself.

The thoughts expressed above on the importance of academic achievement to various pupils. It demonstrates that pupils really want to achieve well in school. Some kids find academic success easy, while others struggle. Educators take on the responsibility of ensuring that students who are not progressing academically get the necessary assistance and education. They are always on the lookout for fresh information and ideas to assist their pupils in achieving academic achievement.

Bilingualism is not a new phenomenon; according to different statistics, more than half of the world’s population is multilingual (Harding and Riley, 1986). Simply described, bilingualism is the capacity to speak or comprehend two languages. Bilingualism is an optional but required method of effective two-way communication between two or more distinct language systems in two or more separate ‘worlds’ (Overbeke, 1972, citied Harding and Riley, 1986). The phrase may apply to either an individual or a civilization. Other concepts that are often used in the study of bilingualism include monolingualism and multilingualism. The capacity to speak just one language is known as monolingualism. The capacity to speak more than two languages is referred to as multilingualism. Many individuals may learn bits and pieces of several languages throughout their lives, but this does not constitute them multilingual.

There is a significant discrepancy between language groups in most nations where numerous languages are spoken: one is socially, economically, or politically dominated by the other (de Gruyter, 1987). The majority of the time, this is due to conquest or migration. The English language was brought to Nigeria during European colonialism, and it quickly became the dominant language for social and official contact. If the dominating group does not abandon its language but continues to use it in everyday life, at home, and among friends, the language may come to serve a regular role in the community as a sign of informality (de Gruyter, 1987). As a result, many Nigerian households have become multilingual.

However, many young Nigerians nowadays are unable to speak or comprehend their mother tongue. Because many parents refuse to teach their children their original languages, many young Nigerians today are proficient in English but have little or no proficiency in any other language. According to a story in the Vanguard News Paper Online, the Linguistic Association of Nigeria (LAN) warned that unless aggressive measures were taken, more than 50 minority languages in the nation might go extinct in a matter of years.

The educational system in the nation isn’t helping matters. Indigenous languages are taught in schools as a subject,’ with little emphasis put on their relevance. This has progressed to the point that if a kid fails the subject ‘Igbo’ in the WASSCE, parents or instructors may not punish the student, but if the student fails English or any other essential courses, major reprimanding will occur. Simply said, English is seen as more essential than indigenous languages. A student may join a university after failing an indigenous language test but passing the English exam.

Views like the ones listed above are similar to those of professors who claimed that bilingualism was “bad for you.” Scholars such as Saer (1923) argued that bilingualism was harmful to a child’s cognitive development. Because these beliefs hindered bilingualism, many children growing up during that time period were not encouraged to learn more than one language. Some studies went so far as to suggest that “we are monolingual animals and it would be against our nature to learn and speak another language” – a claim that seems to be driven by ideology (Smart Words).

Other researchers, such as Pearl and Lambert (1962), conducted experiments in which bilingual pupils outperformed their monolingual counterparts (Pearl and Lambert, 1962, cited in Harding and Riley, 1986, p.68). Different points of view resulted in various educational theories. These studies demonstrated that bilingualism may help a student’s intellectual growth, demonstrating the usefulness of bilingualism and its relationship to academic performance.

Numerous studies on bilingualism and academic performance as distinct factors have been undertaken, but few researchers have investigated the link between the two in Nigeria. This study seeks to determine the impact of bilingualism on academic achievement in order to assist students to understand the significance of bilingualism in connection to their academic success.

1.2 Problem Description
The problem is that many pupils are failing to excel academically. The preceding remark is valid for a variety of reasons, but the reality remains that the situation has to change. According to the Punch Newspaper Online, just 1, 937 pupils out of 11,307 who sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination between January 29 and February 12, 2018, passed the minimum of credits in five subjects or above. This indicates that just 17.3% of applicants passed, while almost 83 percent of pupils failed. This outcome is pretty concerning! The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results were less optimistic, with just 25% of students scoring over 200. (Wahab, 2018). It is also disheartening to realize that Nigeria has the most unschooled children in the world, according to the government (BBC News, 2017).

There are many more troubling figures, and the purpose of this study is to determine what influence bilingualism plays in a student’s academic achievement.