Abstract:
ABSTRACT
It is a common belief that children will thrive if educated amongst better schoolmates and this belief guides many parents in their choice of school. Many studies have attempted to measure this peer group effect and this project was to extend this literature by looking at the influence of peer influence on the academic performance of secondary school students in Narok. This study was guided by the following objectives: To determine the impact of peer influence in the academic performance of high school students in Lower Melili, Narok County. To study the role of peers in the academic performance of students and to assess the factors adolescents consider in choosing their peer groups among students in High Schools in Narok. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with a sample size of 100 respondents comprising 50 girl students and 50 boy students. Questionnaires were the major data collection tools although key informant interviews and general interviews were used to supplement the data collected using questionnaires. Validity of data collection tools was achieved through consultation with the supervisor while reliability was tested using the inter-rater method of testing reliability. The data collected was analyzed using the Spearman's Coefficient of Correlation and the results recorded. Peer groups which spent some of their leisure time on academic work performed better in their academics than their counterparts who spent their entire leisure time on non-academic activities. Thus a strong positive correlation was established between peer group leisure activities and their subsequent academic performance. On the flipside, peer groups discipline proved to be of little significance in determining a peer group's academic outcomes. The findings showed that a majority of the respondents attributed their academic outcomes to their peer groups. High performers belonged to a group of good-performing peers. Similarly, low performers were surrounded by poor-performing peers hence justifying the saying “You are the average of closest friends". More than half the respondents however believed that their peer groups would help them attain their KCSE goals. The study recommends that students, parents and teachers should be sensitized on the influence of peer groups on the academic performance of students. Further, self-awareness should be instilled in teens so that self-identity outweighs peer influence. Lastly, "How to Choose Friends" should be taught in schools as a life-skill lesson to empower students choose their friends wisely without manipulation or coercion? The study recommended that further research should be done in a similar topic amongst college and university students.
