Influence of Study Habits and Demographic Variables

The study investigated the influence of time management, learner-to-learner interaction, note-taking skills, reading skills, demographic variables and academic performance of distance learning students. Given the increasing numbers of post-secondary institutions offering degrees by distance learning, it is important to know the influence of study habits and demographic variables on academic performance of distance learning students. A total number of 347 students were selected using stratified random sampling technique from a population of 4,500 students who were registered for the B.Ed. degree in different years of study. The findings indicated a strong positive influence of time management on academic performance (r =0.569), There was a positive influence of notes-taking on academic performance (r=0.635), influence of reading skills on academic performance (r =0.423), and influence of highest academic qualification on their academic performance of adult learners (r=0.237). Based on the findings, the study recommended that students should be trained in time management skills and also they should be encouraged to meet regularly for discussions.