Psychosocial Factors Affecting on Educational Performance of School Students in Sri Lanka (With Reference to Gampaha District)

Abstract

Educational performance can be affected by numerous factors. This study was conducted to explore the important psychosocial factors (PSFs) among the other factors such as attitude towards attendance in classes, time allocation for studies, motivation, parents‘ level of income, parents‘ education, teacher-student relation, learning facilities, proper guidance, parenting style and sex of student are also affected the educational performance of the students. therefore, performance is product of socio-economic, psychological and environmental factors. As well as responsibility of education is, that produces well-educated, skilled, mannered students according to needs and requirements of the society and the job market. The objective of this research was tofind out the psychosocial factors (PSFs) that affect the educationalPerformance of School Students in Sri Lanka.Selected sample size was 250. Research was conducted on ordinary level (O/L) school children in Gampaha District. There were two groups of students as generally perceived, those who show high performance in their studies and those who don‘t. Questionnaire and some short interviews were used to gather data. Data were analyzed by using simple statistical methods such as percentages. To show the analyzed data bar charts were used. The results showed that, females demonstrated greater motivation, attendants than males. There was positive relationship between parents‘ education and students‘ performance. parents‘ age also appeared to be important factor. Student attitude towards attendance is positive. Student‘s family income is positive on their studies. Student attitude towards time allocation for study per day after school is positively related. Learning facilities and proper guidance shows the positive impact on the student performance and the family stress shows the negative impact on the student performance. Authoritative parenting style shows the positive impact. The student performance could be improved by providing proper leaning facilities and supporting environment in school and home. The student performs well if they are properly guided by the parents and also by their teachers.