INFLUENCE OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING STRATEGIES AND LOCUS OF CONTROL ON STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN ECONOMICS AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ONDO WEST .

The study investigated the influence of cooperative leaning strategy and locus of control on the academic performance among secondary school students in Economics in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State. This research employed the Students Team-Achievement Decision (STAD) as the theoretical framework and Jean Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s theories on Cooperative Learning, the related empirical studies was carried out on effect of cooperative leaning strategy and locus of control on Students’ academic achievement in Economics in public secondary schools. The target population for the study comprises all secondary school in Ondo West. The sampling technique used for the study was random sampling technique. Samples of 100 Economics students were randomly selected from five secondary schools in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State. Three research hypotheses guided the study. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. Face and content validity of the instruments was ascertained by the supervisor and other expert in the department of Economics. Corrections arising from the instrument were carefully effected. The instrument for data collection in this study was the self structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using standard deviation, mean, variance and T-test. The results of the study revealed that cooperative learning strategy and locus of control has increases Students’ academic performance in Economics, it was also affirmed that cooperative learning strategy and locus of control has promoted social interaction among learners and their teachers as well as its activities has encouraged active learning and problem solving and it engages students in teamwork activities with many benefits: such as stimulate creativity, curiosity, critical thinking as well as encourage active learning and problem-solving approach. Based on the findings, it was recommended that; Government and school owners should make adequate equipments available in the school which will enhance the performance of students in Economics, emphasis must be placed on the use of instructional materials in order to inculcate the spirit of learning Economics to students and teaching of Economics in secondary schools should be conducted in a manner that students will effectively understand and learn the concept taught.