Study habits and Academic Achievements of Students and their Mothers' Working Status

A learner's habits of study differ depending on a number of factors among which may be the influence of the home, especially the mother. An individual's academic achievement also depends on the study habits of the individual. Some people think that a good mother is one who gives up her employment to stay at home with her children. However, there is no scientific evidence that says children are harmed when their mothers work. In fact, the working women even while holding very responsible job continue to perform their duties and obligations at home thereby influencing their children's study habit and academic achievement. The present study belongs to the category of 'Descriptive Research' with features of inter-group comparison. The samples of the study consist of 948 high school students with 482 males and 466 females. Samples are selected using stratified cluster random sampling technique. The present study aims to find out the level of study habits and academic achievements of students studying in high schools of Mizoram, which is one of the North Eastern states in India. The present research also aims to find out if there are any significant difference in the study habits and academic achievements of students with reference to their mother's working status. It also aims to find out if there are any significant differences in the study habits and academic achievements of students whose mothers are working, with reference to their gender and locale. It also aims to find out if there are any significant differences in the study habits and academic achievements of students whose mothers are not working, with reference to their gender and locale. The study also aims to find out if there are any significant correlation between study habits of students and their academic achievement. Findings of the present study shows that a large percentage of students have average study habits and academic achievements. The present study also shows that students with working mothers have better academic achievement than students whose mothers are not working. Among students whose mothers are working, it was found that urban students have better academic achievement than rural students. Among students whose mothers are not working, it was found that urban students have better academic achievement as compared to the rural students. With respect to academic achievement and study habit, it was found that there was significant positive correlation at .01 level between these two variables. It is hoped that the present study will make a significant contribution in improving the academic achievements of students especially those residing in rural areas. Once the important role mothers play in the education of their children is understood, schools can organize parent-teacher contact programme so as to further improve the study habits and academic achievements of the students.