Relationship between Metacognition, Locus of Control, and Academic Achievement in Secondary School Chemistry Students in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between metacognition, locus of control, and academic achievement in secondary school chemistry students in Anambra state, Nigeria. The sample consisted of 135 chemistry students in Awka Education Zone, Anambra state. Descriptive survey research design was adopted, and two instruments—Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI) and Academic Locus of Control Scale—were used as instruments for data collection. Correlation and regression analyses were used to explore the intervention effects of metacognition between locus of control and academic achievements of chemistry students on the hypothesis that metacognition affects locus of control and academic achievement. The result revealed that metacognitive awareness overall, metacognitive knowledge (declarative, procedural, and conditional), and metacognitive regulation (planning, information management, monitoring, debugging, and evaluation) aspects showed a positive relationship with the students’ academic achievement and a negative relationship with locus of control. The study has implication for teachers and students since metacognition can be taught. The students should avail themselves the opportunity to acquire metacognitive skill and strategies, while teachers should themselves train students on the most effective metacognitive skills and strategies for effective increase on academic achievement and locus of control.