Lower academic performance and drawbacks: a survey research based on Kinniya education zone, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the factors that contribute to the lower academic performance and drawbacks of the Kinniya Education Zone in Trincomalee District, Sri Lanka, which has produced lower results over the last four years in scholarship examination, General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) exam and General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) exams. As a result, this study was conducted. Twenty teachers and five principals in Kinniya Education Zone were taken as the sample in this study. This study was a survey research and qualitative approach for collecting data. An interview was used for gathering opinions about the factors and causes for the drawbacks and lower academic performance as the research instrument. According to the findings and results, teachers encounter numerous difficulties in their teaching process and numerous factors lead to the lower academic performance and drawbacks. These are: students’ lack of interest, lack of support and commitment from parents, number of rural schools, deprivation and family background, shortage of teachers and inequality of basic facilities to rural schools, targeting only fast learners in the classroom, drug addiction, high in GCE (O/L) and (A/L) to obtain failure percentage. However, Kinniya Education Zone can be uplifted when a separate unit “Centre for Education Development” is established in each school. Through this unit, number of activities such as conducting programs; motivational, awareness, guidance, counseling, spiritual, workshops, trainings, special projects and funding for students and parents can be implemented in each school. Moreover, primary education should be strengthened in each school.