Authors :
Peter Chirwa
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 12 - December
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/46fnep7e
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/2s42m247
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25dec192
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Abstract :
This study examined how specific study practices are associated with in physics achievement among secondary
school students in Zambia using a descriptive correlational design. Specifically, this study looked into the domains of time
management, note-taking, review practices, and use of learning resources for their influences on physics performance.
Data were obtained from 133 Grade 10 –12 learners using a structured, field-tested questionnaire on study habits, and
physics test scores of pupils. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analysis, and cross-domain correlations were
used to analyse the data. Results shows that learners have a moderate level of time management (M = 3.18), note-taking
(M = 3.07), and review practices (M = 3.03) but utilised few learning resources (M = 2.38). The majority or 73% of the
pupils obtained unsatisfactory performance ratings. The Spearman correlation analysis revealed a non-significant
relationship between study habits and physics performance. However, it also indicates a moderate positive relationship
among the domains of study habits themselves. This imply that pupils merely engage in surface-level study habits which do
not meaningfully enhance their learning in physics. Higher-level study strategies are recommended, aside from improved
access to more learning resources and a guided study programme, to help learners acquire mastery of physics concepts.
Keywords :
Correlation, Study Practice, Academic Performance, Physics.
References :
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- Assem, H. D., Nartey, L., Appiah, E., & Aidoo, J. K. (2023). A Review of Students’ Academic Performance in Physics: Attitude, Instructional Methods, Misconceptions and Teachers Qualification. European Journal of Education and Pedagogy, 4(1), 84–92. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejedu.2023.4.1.551
- Bibi, A., Naseer, N., & Habib, Z. (2020). Study Habits of Students and Academic Achievement: A Correlational Study. Global Educational Studies Review, V(III), 114–122. https://doi.org/10.31703/gesr.2020(V-III).12
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- Chirwa, P. (2025). Effect of End-of-Topic Tests on Pupils’ Performance in Integrated Science: A Study Using Control and Experimental Groups. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, XII(II), 364–375. https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.12020032
- Dipali M, Prasanta Gayen, & Ramesh Chandra Mahato. (2023). RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACADEMIC RESILIENCE AND INTERNET ADDICTION OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF PURULIA DISTRICT OF WEST BENGAL: A STUDY. EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR), 103–106. https://doi.org/10.36713/epra12603
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- Goel, U. (2014). Comparative study of study habits in relation to academic achievement of senior secondry school students. GYANODAYA - The Journal of Progressive Education, 7(2), 18. https://doi.org/10.5958/2229-4422.2014.00004.8
- Gwanda, J., & Chibesa, F. (2025). Investigating Factors Affecting Secondary Students’ Science Performance: Evidence From Choma District, Zambia. Journal of Education, Learning, and Management, 2(1), 177–185. https://doi.org/10.69739/jelm.v2i1.467
- Jafari, H., Aghaei, A., & Khatony, A. (2019). Relationship between study habits and academic achievement in students of medical sciences in Kermanshah-Iran. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, Volume 10, 637–643. https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S208874
- Modeste, N., Jean, & Andala, H., Opiyo. (2022). Relationship Between Secondary School Teaching Factors and Academic Performance of Students in Science Subjects in Lower Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda. Journal of Education, 93–109. https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t50113
- Mondal, N., & Saha, B. (2012). Achievement Difference in Science at Secondary Level in Darjeeling District: A Comparative Study. International Journal of Scientific Research, 2(2), 85–86. https://doi.org/10.15373/22778179/FEB2013/31
- Okeke, U., & Ukoh, E. (2020). The Influence of Locus of Control, Study Habits and Gender on the Academic Achievement of Senior Secondary School Physics Students in Ibadan Metropolis. African Journal of Teacher Education, 9, 21–48. https://doi.org/10.21083/ajote.v9i0.5815
- Rabia, M., Mubarak, N., Tallat, H., & Nasir, W. (2017). A Study on Study Habits and Academic Performance of Students. International Journal of Asian Social Science, 7(10), 891–897. https://doi.org/10.18488/journal.1.2017.710.891.897
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- Razia, B. (2015). Study Habits of Secondary School Students in Relation to their Socio-Economic Status and Gender. International Journal of Social Sciences and Management, 2(1), 68–73. https://doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v2i1.11815
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This study examined how specific study practices are associated with in physics achievement among secondary
school students in Zambia using a descriptive correlational design. Specifically, this study looked into the domains of time
management, note-taking, review practices, and use of learning resources for their influences on physics performance.
Data were obtained from 133 Grade 10 –12 learners using a structured, field-tested questionnaire on study habits, and
physics test scores of pupils. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analysis, and cross-domain correlations were
used to analyse the data. Results shows that learners have a moderate level of time management (M = 3.18), note-taking
(M = 3.07), and review practices (M = 3.03) but utilised few learning resources (M = 2.38). The majority or 73% of the
pupils obtained unsatisfactory performance ratings. The Spearman correlation analysis revealed a non-significant
relationship between study habits and physics performance. However, it also indicates a moderate positive relationship
among the domains of study habits themselves. This imply that pupils merely engage in surface-level study habits which do
not meaningfully enhance their learning in physics. Higher-level study strategies are recommended, aside from improved
access to more learning resources and a guided study programme, to help learners acquire mastery of physics concepts.
Keywords :
Correlation, Study Practice, Academic Performance, Physics.