Demographic Features and Mathematics Performance of Students: A case of G.C.E O/L Students in Ratnapura Educational Zone

Abstract

The present study attempts to examine the effect of demographic characteristics and students' attitudes on the mathematics performance of G.C.E. O/L students in Sri Lanka. Data were collected from 110 students who sat for the 2019 G.C.E. O/L examination, in Ratnapura Educational Zone in Sri Lanka. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection as a google form. ANOVA, t-tests, correlation tests, and descriptive statistics were employed for the data analyzing process. The results indicated that there are significant associations between mathematics performance and the demographic factors: residence, school type, parents’ educational level, and father’s occupation while the remaining factors: gender, mother’s occupation, family income, and number of family members didn’t show significant relationships with mathematics performance. Results revealed a strong and significant association between mathematics performance and attitudes of students towards mathematics. Thus, the study provides empirical evidence which will support education officials, teachers, parents, and students to plan for achieving a higher performance in mathematics of G.C.E. O/L students.