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Factors affecting underachievement of average students in a government school
Author
Chong, Fui Kian
Supervisor
Wong, Eleanor
Abstract
This is a research about underachievement in one government school. The government school is a neighbourhood school with a fairly small enrolment, comprising about 80 to 100 students per level. The students are classified into three streams : express, normal academic and normal technical. They are generally of average and below average ability. Most of the students were drawn from the surrounding vicinity. There is the Housing Board Development (HDB) housing estate on the one hand and semi-detached houses, terrace houses and condominiums on the other.
The purpose of the research is to investigate selected reasons to explain the underachievement of some of the students. A group of achievers was used as comparison in order to highlight the differences between the two groups to find out why one group could perform whereas the other groups was under-performing. Ultimately, it is hoped that the results would benefit the underachievers.
The literature written on the topic unveiled some controversial issues as well as established some well-known facts and observations with regard to the characteristics, causes and interventions about underachievement. Findings from previous research provided explanations and descriptions into the phenomenon. Past research also provided information about what had been done and found out so far and what recommendations were made.
The findings of this research supported the hypotheses, confirmed some previous research as well as revealed some insights. The findings indicated underachievers could come from a wide variety of backgrounds, tended to have lower self-concept and be less well engaged in self-regulation strategies.
The purpose of the research is to investigate selected reasons to explain the underachievement of some of the students. A group of achievers was used as comparison in order to highlight the differences between the two groups to find out why one group could perform whereas the other groups was under-performing. Ultimately, it is hoped that the results would benefit the underachievers.
The literature written on the topic unveiled some controversial issues as well as established some well-known facts and observations with regard to the characteristics, causes and interventions about underachievement. Findings from previous research provided explanations and descriptions into the phenomenon. Past research also provided information about what had been done and found out so far and what recommendations were made.
The findings of this research supported the hypotheses, confirmed some previous research as well as revealed some insights. The findings indicated underachievers could come from a wide variety of backgrounds, tended to have lower self-concept and be less well engaged in self-regulation strategies.
Date Issued
1999
Call Number
LC4661 Cho
Date Submitted
1999