Examining the Effects of Peer Pressure on Student Teachers‟ Academic Performance

Abstract

The impetus for human beings to be influenced by neighbours and milieus are undeniable. As peers socialize within their school environments, individuals are forced to conform to the practices, norms, mores and opinions of the group. Upon this background, the study sought to examine the effects of peer pressure on academic performance of student-teachers of S.D.A. College of Education, Asokore-Koforidua. The motivation for the study was to examine the effects of peer pressure on student-teachers of S.D.A. College of Education and it repel effects on academic performance. The study used the mixed methodological approach. Purposive sample was employed to select the level 200 students of the S.D.A. College of Education for the study because they were the only students on campus at the time of the survey. The study concluded that self-doubt and emotional development were effects of peer pressure, the fear of uncertainty in some of the student-teachers compel them to join friends who they perceive might be academically better than them. The study therefore recommended that group works should be more frequent to motivate the average students to boost their confidence. Guidance sessions should be mandatorily organized at least once in every month to work on students' emotional control and self-esteem to improve academic performance.