Factors Responsible for Students’ Lateness to School as Expressed by Nigerian Teachers in Elementary Schools

Abstract

Students’ lateness to school is one of the challenges faced by school administrators. This research therefore investigated the factors responsible for students’ lateness to school as expressed by Nigerian teachers in elementary schools. The influence of moderating variables of sex, years of teaching experience and educational qualification on the respondents’ expressions was also considered. The study is descriptive in nature and sampled 200 Nigerian teachers in elementary schools. An instrument titled ‘Factors Responsible for Lateness to School Questionnaire (FRLSQ’ was adopted to gather data. The descriptive and inferential statistics were used as methods of data analysis. It was revealed that the factors responsible for students’ lateness to school as expressed by Nigerian teachers in elementary schools are poor preparation for school, going late to bed, distance of school from home, high level of poverty, peer pressure, single parenting among others. It is concluded that the factors responsible for lateness to school are enormous. Practical solutions were therefore recommended.

Cultural Background Differences of International Students Relating to Time Management

“…Time management among students remains a signi cant problem that various learning institutions face. This is because it has an overwhelming effect on student learning processes which may negatively affect learning institutions and the students' grades as a result of poor performances in class, being absent in classes, showing irresponsible behaviours, and not being able to achieve their life goals because of poor time management (Adegunju, Ola-Alani & Agubosi, 2019).…”

“…Poor time management is still increasing among students (Adegunju et al, 2019;Alio, 2015;Maile & Olowoyo, 2017). In addition, Jumare, Maina, and Ankoma-sey (2015) analyzed students' lateness in classes while Malcolm, Wilson, Davidson, and Kirk (2013) analyzed the causes of absenteeism in classes and punctuality as a recurring issue in secondary schools in South Africa (Onoyase, 2017).…”

Differences in Factors Responsible for Lateness at School by Male and Female Learners in Selected Schools in Soshanguve Township, South Africa

“…Several studies have reported on the factors responsible for causing late coming among high school learners (Jumare et al, 2015;Onoyase, 2017: Maile & Olowoyo, 2017. A report compiled by Adegunju et al (2019) revealed that Nigerian teachers ascribed late coming to poor preparation for school, going to bed late, travelling distance between school and home, level of poverty, peer pressure, and single parenthood. Other studies identified household chores especially for girls from poorer, more rural households, who also often have to look after younger siblings or sick relatives as a major factor (Nonkonana & Kwenda, 2020;Adegunju, 2019).…”

“…A report compiled by Adegunju et al (2019) revealed that Nigerian teachers ascribed late coming to poor preparation for school, going to bed late, travelling distance between school and home, level of poverty, peer pressure, and single parenthood. Other studies identified household chores especially for girls from poorer, more rural households, who also often have to look after younger siblings or sick relatives as a major factor (Nonkonana & Kwenda, 2020;Adegunju, 2019). Maile and Olowoyo (2017) highlighted the lack of teaching materials, mode of delivery, first lesson of the day, and structure of the schools as reasons for late coming and absenteeism.…”

“…Late coming has become a major problem globally and from a study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD, 2013) which interviewed students from many countries, it was found that most students arrived at school after lessons had already started (OECD, 2013;Nonkonana & Kwenda, 2019). Lateness generally refers to a situation in which an individual reports at a place later than the scheduled, appropriate or agreed time (Onoyase, 2017;Adegunju et al, 2019). Within the school context, lateness may be defined as arrival at school by learners after the official opening hours and may be further be extended to arriving late at scheduled normal timetable for lectures or classes to begin (Maile & Olowoyo, 2017).…”