Abstract

This study examined the relationship between classroom environmental factors and students’ academic performance in English Language in public secondary schools in Abia State. Specifically, the study investigated the relationships between classroom facilities, classroom location and students’ academic performance in English Language. The study was anchored on Social Constructivist Theory by Lev Vygotsky (1978) and Environmental Theory of Learning by B. F. Skinner (1953). A correlational survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 33,167 respondents, consisting of 32,685 students and 482 English Language teachers across Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia Education Zones. A sample of 380 students was determined using Cochran’s formula, while census sampling was used for the 482 English Language teachers, giving a total sample of 862 respondents. Data were collected using the Classroom Environment and Students’ Performance in English Language Questionnaire (CESPELQ). The instrument was validated by three experts and its reliability was established using the test-retest method and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Of the 862 questionnaires administered, 816 were properly completed and used for analysis, representing a 94.66% usable response rate. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while PPMC was used to test the null hypotheses at the 0.05 significance level. Findings showed that classroom facilities related to students’ academic performance to a high extent, with a cluster mean of 3.21. Classroom location also related to academic performance to a high extent, with a cluster mean of 3.14. PPMC results revealed significant positive relationships between classroom facilities and academic performance (r = 0.684, p < 0.05) and between classroom location and academic performance (r = 0.571, p < 0.05). The study concluded that favourable classroom environmental conditions were significantly associated with improved students’ academic performance and recommended adequate provision and maintenance of classroom facilities and suitable classroom locations.