TEST ANXIETY AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ESAN SOUTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE

Abstract

The study examined test anxiety and academic achievement of students in senior secondary schools in Esan South East Local Government Area, Edo State. Specifically, the study sought to investigate the: direction of relationship (positive/negative), magnitude of relationship (strong, moderate or weak) and relevance of relationship (significant or insignificant) between test anxiety and academic achievement of students in senior secondary schools in Esan South East Local Government Area, Edo State. This study covered a population of 1702 Senior Secondary School one (SSS 1) students in the 18s senior secondary schools in Esan South East Local Government Areas. A sample size of 170 Senior Secondary School One students representing ten percent (10%) was drawn using the simple random sampling technique.This study applied the correlational research design. The instrument was subjected to the split-half reliability test and a reliability coefficient of 0.78 was obtained.  Data collected were analysed with the use of the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) technique. Result showed that there is a moderate, negative (inverse) and significant relationship between test anxiety and academic achievement of students in senior secondary schools in Esan South East Local Government Area, Edo State. The result showed that there is a moderate, positive and significant relationship between test anxiety and academic achievement of students in senior secondary schools in Esan South East Local Government Area, Edo State. It is recommended that school guidance counselors should provide their counseling, information, referral and orientation services for students identified to have anxiety concerns prior to a test or an evaluation. This is needed to help them stay well adjusted for improved achievement.