Abstract:
Scientific analyses on the factors that influence the undergraduates’ academic performance are
essential in revising curricula and assessment strategies. The objective of this study was to
determine the relationship between University entrance Advanced Level (A/L) Z-score and
undergraduates' academic performance indicators including semester grade point average
(SGPA) and overall grade point average (OGPA). Z-score, SGPA and OGPA of 402 Agricultural
Resource Management and Technology (AT), 136 Agribusiness Management (AB) and 123 Green
Technology (GT) graduates of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna (FAUR), who
completed their programmes in 2016, 2017 and 2018 were considered for the study. Pearson
correlation was used to determine the relationships between Z-score with SGPA and OGPA. The
Mean Z-score of the students enrolled at FAUR was 0.9418 and ranged from -0.6458 to 1.5444.
Female students had significantly higher Z-score than males. Z-scores of the students of AT, AB
and GT were not significantly different. The dropout rate was 6.5%. Dropouts had lower Z scores at entry and SGPA levels in the exams they sat than those who completed. GT graduates
reported a significantly higher OGPA than AT graduates. AB students’ OGPA value was not
significantly different from those of other two programmes. Female students of all three
programs reported higher OGPA value than male students. Those who passed the English Level I
examination and who submitted the thesis of the final year research on time had secured higher
OGPA than those who had not. The percentages of AT, AB and GT graduates with a class were
50.7%, 69% and 83.5%, respectively. All the first class holders and 77% of the second upper
class holders were female. Compared to 34% among males, 75% of the female students had
completed the programme with a class. Z score had stronger relationships with the SGPA of 5th
(R=0.962), 4th (R=0.954 and 3rd (0.918) semesters. Significant, but weak relationships between Z
score and OGPA were reported for AT (R=0.32), AB (R=0.32) and GT programmes (R=0.42).
OGPA gave its strongest relationship with first semester GPA (R=0.59; p=000). Z-score is
concluded to be a weak predictor of the final performance. Academically, females outperformed
male. Need of more effective orientation programmes and, considerations on the high degree of
variation in entry-level academic background in revising the curricula and selecting teaching
and assessment strategies of the FAUR is highlighted.
