IMPACT OF TEACHER'S COMMUNICATION STYLE ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHO0LS IN SONG LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ADAMAWA STATE

This study examined the impact of teachers' communication style on academic performance of public secondary schools' students in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State. Three research objectives and three research questions guided the study. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. A total of 100 respondents participated in the study: questionnaire formed the instrument for data collection. The instrument was validated and its reliability ensured. Based on the data collected and analyzed, the study found that teachers' communication styles have direct impact on secondary school students' academic performance. The findings revealed that assertive and passive teachers' communication styles have positive influence on students' self-esteem while aggressive teachers communication styles influence students negatively. The study further found that teachers' communication style has impact on students ‘attention to lessons, students' self-esteem, students' motivation to learn and students' enthusiasms towards learning. The study recommended among other things that ministry of education should as a matter of urgency employ qualified, professional and intelligent teachers who are versatile in classroom communications strategies to teach in secondary schools. The study further recommended that assertive teacher attributes should be emphasized since they are found to be inclusive so as to accommodate slow learners and children at risk of dropping out of school. Areas for further studies are also suggested for subsequent researchers.