Effects of Family Structure on the Academic Performance of Students at Elementary Level in District Karak, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (Pakistan)

Abstract

Family setting and structure is playing a crucial role in strengthening or devastating student’s academic performance. Family is the primary socializing agent which moulds the child in society. Therefore, the study was conducted to know the effects of family structure on academic performance of the students at elementary level in district Karak. The main objectives of the study were: (a) to explore the effects of family structure on the academic performance of the students at elementary level and (b) to suggest proper ways and means for the excellent academic performance of students at elementary level. All the students at elementary level in district Karak constituted the population of the study. In order to represent adequate sample, 30 students from each school were selected as a sample randomly. The study was delimited to the twelve male secondary schools. The study was further delimited to the students of class 08. The Study was descriptive in nature therefore the researchers decided to develop questionnaire for the collection of data. Pilot testing was conducted to know the weakness, misconceptions and ambiguities of the questionnaire. After the conduction of pilot testing, final version of the questionnaire was developed and prepared. The researchers personally visited to the respective sample and distributed questionnaires among the sample. In this way data was collected. After collection of data, the data was organized, tabulated and analyzed. Chi-square was used for the statistical treatment of the data. After analysis of data, the researchers concluded that large family size; large number of brother and sisters; domestic issues and tension among the family members; low socio-economic status, lack of parent’s participation badly effects student’s educational attainment. On the other hand, it was also found that home tuition; parent’s education; high socio-economic status; and parent’s participation plays a fundamental and significant role in enhancing student’s academic performance.

Key Words: Family, Family Structure, Effects of family Structure, Academic Achievement