Problems faced by students in pursuit of the G.C.E. Advanced Level: a study based on the Muslim Schools of Beruwela Divisional Secretariat

Abstract

It is an expected notion that an educated individual would create exemplary citizens of good personality development, significant cognitive ability, and fulfilment of social duties as well as other similar positive traits. As the foundation is formed at the school level, a considerable amount of funding allocated for nations education policies is dispersed for the enhancement and development of school education system. Schools have developed themselves through this initiative with better access to resources and at the same time, raising their quality. This measure has resulted in eagerness of students to continue their studies to an advanced level. Nonetheless, various problem faced by the students has formed a barrier and proves to be a challenge for them to continue to an advanced level of education. With this in mind, this research focuses on the problems faced by the students of the Muslim schools, under the purview of Beruwela Divisional Secretariat, in continuing their G.C.E Advanced Level. The main objective of this research is to identify the students’ preference towards learning as well as the problems faced by them in continuing their education at these schools. Primary data was collected through interviews and distribution of 160 questionnaires. Secondary data were collected from journal articles, books and educational materials. A statistical analysis of the data collected was completed using SPSS software. The research indicated that the majority of the students are keen on continuing their studies. However, a number of problems faced by them include lack of attention from the teachers, lack of employment opportunities for educated individuals, family’s’ economic situations and standard of living as well as the time-consuming distance between school and home.