Impact of Positive Reinforcement on Pupils' Absenteeism: A Case Study at Felicomfort Junior High School (JHS), Amamoma in Cape Coast, Ghana

Authors

  • Dr. Felix Senyametor University of Cape Coast
  • Kwame Nkrumah University of Cape Coast
  • Kaedabi Donkor University of Cape Coast

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47941/jep.436

Keywords:

Reinforcement, motivation, absenteeism, basic school

Abstract

Purpose: This study focused on finding out the impact of positive reinforcement on pupils' absenteeism at Felicomfort JHS at Amamoma within the University of Cape Coast community.

Methodology: The quasi-experimental and descriptive designs were used in conducting the study. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed in carrying out the study to get to the bottom of the phenomenon investigated.  The population was 56 comprising Junior High School (JHS) One and Two pupils of the school. The sample size for the study was 14 pupils purposively sampled out of the total number of 56. Pre-intervention test, post-intervention test, interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents. Data analysis was done, using paired sample t-test, frequency and percentage counts with the Predictive Analytical Software (PASW) version 21.

Findings: The study revealed a statistically significant difference in the pre-intervention results (Mean = 2.643, Std. Dev. = 1.382) and that of the post intervention (Mean =4.786, Std. Dev. = 1.829) [t = 6.382, df = 13, p = 0.001].  The eta square analysis was 89 percent (η2 = 0.89) indicating a significant impact of positive reinforcement on modifying pupils' behaviour of absenteeism. Analysis of the questionnaire revealed that 80% of the pupils became regular at school as a result of the application of positive reinforcement.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: It was recommended that the government through the District Assemblies should offer financial assistance to poor parents and single parents to enable them adequately cater for their children at school.

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Author Biographies

Dr. Felix Senyametor, University of Cape Coast

Department of Education and Psychology, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Kwame Nkrumah, University of Cape Coast

 

College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Kaedabi Donkor, University of Cape Coast

 

College   of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

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Published

2020-09-03

How to Cite

Senyametor, D. F., Nkrumah, K., & Donkor, K. (2020). Impact of Positive Reinforcement on Pupils’ Absenteeism: A Case Study at Felicomfort Junior High School (JHS), Amamoma in Cape Coast, Ghana. Journal of Education and Practice, 4(2), 53–69. https://doi.org/10.47941/jep.436

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