Factors Affecting Student Success in GCE Ordinary Level Mathematics

Abstract

This paper attempts to determine the factors that are contributed to the excellence performance of Ordinary Level Mathematics in several selected schools in Morawaka Educational Zone in Matara district of Southern province, Sri Lanka which had reflected the highest failure rates in Ordinary Level Mathematics over the period from 2003 to 2007. Three contributory factors of students’ performance were suggested according to the best fit logistic regression model, namely; participation for tuition classes, early preparation for examination and fathers’ education level. All factors showed a positive relationship with students’ performance. A student who participated for tuition excels four-fold higher than non participants while a well prepared student excels five-fold higher than a student who did not. The mathematical performance of students increases as the father’s level of education increases. The first two factors can be controlled and hence policy implications are noted. Authors’ suggestions are, firstly, to conduct evening classes at schools which will be benefited for students from low income categoiy and the administration of schools is necessary to take actions to give a superior pre preparation for Ordinary Level Mathematics for a higher rate of success