Abstract
The study investigated the influence of Self-esteem and self-efficacy on students’ academic achievement in Economics in secondary Schools in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A Questionnaire on Self-esteem and self-efficacy and Economics Academic Achievement Test (EAAT) were used for data collection. The questionnaire consists of two clusters: Clusters A (self Esteem) and B (Self Efficacy). Cluster A adopted Rosenberg self Esteem scale (1965) while Cluster B adapted Self-Efficacy Scale by Schwarzer, R., & Jerusalem (1995). For cluster B, items 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 18 were modified. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 360 out of 5,261 SS III students offering Economics in the 2018/2019 academic session. Data collected were analyzed using structural equation modeling (Path Analysis) and Multiple Regression Analysis. The findings of the study revealed that 83.55% of the students’ academic achievement was accounted for by the predictor variables, namely, self-esteem and self-efficacy. 16.45% of Achievement of students in Economics in Ebonyi state is attributable to variables not explored in the study. It was recommended among others that parents, teachers as well as stakeholders should sensitize the public on the major role self esteem and efficacy plays in academic achievement as such should encourage activities that will help increase the self-worth of their children.
Idika, E. O.; Onuoha, J. C. & Onwuemerie O. E. (2021)