Self-concept, career choice and academic performance among students of Makerere Highway College School

Abstract

The study aimed at examining the relationship between self-concept, career choice and academic performance among students of Makerere Highway College School. The study objectives were; To examine the relationship between self-concept and career choice among students. To investigate the relationship between self-concept and academic performance among students. To find out whether career choice and academic performance are related. The study adopted a correlational research design with a population of 360 students from different classes. Cluster random sampling technique was used to draw a sample of 113 respondents from the population. Data was collected from respondents using self-administered standard questionnaires and through entering fully filled questionnaires into computer software program called Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23, data was analyzed. Results from Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r) indicated that there is no significant relationship between self-concept and career choice; there was a significant positive relationship between self-concept and academic performance. Accordingly, findings revealed that, there is no significant relationship between career choice and academic performance. Since self-concept is significantly related to academic performance, students should develop outstanding self-concept to guarantee good academic performance. This can be achieved by employing and empowering counsellors to aid students build positive and objective self-concepts using; cognitive restructuring therapy and transactional analysis. Additionally, seminars and symposia should be organized to educate parents on the implications of castigating and condemning their children regarding their academic performance.