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Academic performance and health status of primary six school children
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Type
Thesis
Author
Yong, Lik-Sin
Supervisor
Yap, Boon Chuan
Abstract
This is an exploratory study on the relationship between academic performance and health status of a sample of primary six students in Singapore. The contributions of the health variables to academic performance were also examined.
Data collected from 496 primary six students were analyzed using correlational, multiple regression and canonical correlation analyses. The criterion variables comprised the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) T-scores and performance in the PSLE subjects of English Language, second language, mathematics and science. The predictor variables were the socio-demographic variables and health status indicators of height, weight, body composition, fitness status=us and performance in power, strength, endurance and flexibility items.
The study revealed statistically significant relationship and sex differences between academic performance and health status.
Fitness status and body composition correlated significantly with the academic performance of the boys. For the girls, height was the only variable which correlated positively to academic performance.
Overall fitness status and performance in six or nine minute run ( a measure and cardiovascular fitness), flexed arm hang ( a measure of strength ), and sit and reach ( a measure of flexibility ) were significant contributors to academic performance.
The study estimated that for the boys an increase in one centimeter in height, PSLE T-scores would increase by 0.472 points. However for the girls, the same increase would result in a decrease by 0.179 points. Likewise, a one percent increase in body mass index would result in an increase of1.111 points for the girls and for the boys, a decrease of 0.116 points.
Health status' contribution towards academic performance was more positive and substantial for the boys. Estimation using multiple regression techniques indicated that 18 percent and 15 percent of the boys' and the girls' performance in PSLE T-scores were respectively explained by the health status indicators.
Apart from the overall PSLE performance, achievement in mathematics was the most important criterion variable, in terms of the magnitude of the correlations and variance explained.
When the health variables were analyzed together in multiple regression analyses, the physical status indicators of height and body composition seemed to have contributed more significantly than the fitness indicators. As fitness performance was also significantly related to these physical variables, its contribution to academic performance was in fact greater.
Hence, programmes aim at improving fitness performance would need to ensure significant change to the physical status before a change in the academic performance could be experienced. It also implies that if activities to improve fitness could be supplemented by appropriate activities to change the physical status, particularly height and body composition, the impact on academic performance is likely to be even more substantial.
Data collected from 496 primary six students were analyzed using correlational, multiple regression and canonical correlation analyses. The criterion variables comprised the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) T-scores and performance in the PSLE subjects of English Language, second language, mathematics and science. The predictor variables were the socio-demographic variables and health status indicators of height, weight, body composition, fitness status=us and performance in power, strength, endurance and flexibility items.
The study revealed statistically significant relationship and sex differences between academic performance and health status.
Fitness status and body composition correlated significantly with the academic performance of the boys. For the girls, height was the only variable which correlated positively to academic performance.
Overall fitness status and performance in six or nine minute run ( a measure and cardiovascular fitness), flexed arm hang ( a measure of strength ), and sit and reach ( a measure of flexibility ) were significant contributors to academic performance.
The study estimated that for the boys an increase in one centimeter in height, PSLE T-scores would increase by 0.472 points. However for the girls, the same increase would result in a decrease by 0.179 points. Likewise, a one percent increase in body mass index would result in an increase of1.111 points for the girls and for the boys, a decrease of 0.116 points.
Health status' contribution towards academic performance was more positive and substantial for the boys. Estimation using multiple regression techniques indicated that 18 percent and 15 percent of the boys' and the girls' performance in PSLE T-scores were respectively explained by the health status indicators.
Apart from the overall PSLE performance, achievement in mathematics was the most important criterion variable, in terms of the magnitude of the correlations and variance explained.
When the health variables were analyzed together in multiple regression analyses, the physical status indicators of height and body composition seemed to have contributed more significantly than the fitness indicators. As fitness performance was also significantly related to these physical variables, its contribution to academic performance was in fact greater.
Hence, programmes aim at improving fitness performance would need to ensure significant change to the physical status before a change in the academic performance could be experienced. It also implies that if activities to improve fitness could be supplemented by appropriate activities to change the physical status, particularly height and body composition, the impact on academic performance is likely to be even more substantial.
Date Issued
1989
Call Number
RA776.5 Yon
Date Submitted
1989