A STUDY OF FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN A HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL IN BHUTAN

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting academic performance of the students of a higher secondary school in Bhutan. The dependent variable considered for the study was students’ academic performance, which was indicated by students’ test scores and the independent variables were students’ demographic characteristics, parents’ socio-economic status, parenting style and students’ learning and study strategy. The data were collected from 241 students of the school using two questionnaires­–Learning And Study Strategy Inventory and Baumrind’s Parenting Style’s Questionnaire. Correlation analysis, independent samples t-test and descriptive analysis were used to analyze data. The findings revealed that socio-economic factors and parenting style are predictors of student’s academic performance but not students’ demographic variables like gender, age and living arrangements. The findings also revealed that students had average level learning and study skills. Recommendations are made to create awareness concerning parenting skills and to engage parents in adult education programs. Teachers, educationists and counselors are recommended to teach students learning and study strategies.

KEY WORDS: Academic Performance, Socio-economic Status, Learning and Study Strategy, Parenting Style