Abstract

The size of the family that a child comes from, either monogamous (nuclear), polygamous, divorced parents, re-married parents, single parents, or step-parents, usually has an impact on a child’s academic performance. This study examined the relationship between family size and the academic performance of students as perceived by junior secondary school teachers. The research was conducted in the Kosofe LGA of Lagos State. A total of 200 teachers of junior secondary schools were taken as respondents. Ten schools were selected through simple random sampling. Survey questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. Frequency, percentage, and the Pearson statistical analytical method were used to analyze the data collected. It was revealed that there is a significant relationship between family size and the academic performance of students, either big or small. Also, the findings revealed that birth order does not have a significant relationship with students’ academic performance. It was recommended that parents should be sensitized to the need to raise small families in order to enable them to provide for their educational needs, which will motivate the children to learn effectively and perform satisfactorily. Government and counsellors should provide counselling and information services to parents through the Parents Teachers Association forum to equip them more on parental care and involvement in their children's academic activities.