Comparative Study of the Importance of School Record Management on Pupils’ Learning Progress in Public Primary Schools in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study set out to make a comparison of the significance of school record management on the learning progress of schoolchildren in public primary schools. Objectives are set to investigate what records are presently kept in public primary schools in Kwara State, examine qualities expected of school record management, ascertain the effectiveness of record-keeping on learning progress of pupils and identify challenges associated with records keeping in public primary schools in Kwara State. A descriptive survey research design was espoused for the study and school heads and class teachers constitute the unit of analysis. Questionnaire and observational checklist serve as instruments for data collection. The report of findings indicated that the surveyed seven public primary schools keep the same statutory and non-statutory records and none kept punishment register. On the quality of a good school record management, top in the ranking are information on the records should be accurate, reliable and timely. With the student performance record, it is evidence that parents, teachers and other educational stakeholders can easily keep track of students’ learning progress to effect positive change if need be. Result of findings on constraints to effective record management in Kwara State, Nigeria, pinpointed majorly on two challenges, one of which is that most records are old, due for weeding as a result of lack of preservation measures put in place and also that records are still stored manually in paper files, shelves and cabinets.