Factors Affecting Grade 6 Students' Skills in Primary Schools in Wangdue Phodrang District, Bhutan

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the level of students' skills, examine the relationship between parental involvement, school facilities, teacher's skills and abilities, peer relationship and students' skills, compare the differences in students' skills based on level of parent education and family income, and investigate the predictive factors that affect grade 6 students' skills in primary schools in Wangdue Phodrang district, Bhutan. The study adopted quantitative research methodology with descriptive survey design and employed questionnaires to collect data from 222 grade 6 students studying in three primary schools. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's coefficient correlation, one-way ANOVA and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The research findings indicated that the overall level of students' skills, parental involvement, school facilities, teacher's skills and abilities and peer relationship were rated at high level. The correlation between the students' skills, parental involvement, school facilities, teacher's skills and abilities and peer relationship were shown positive and statistically significant at significance level P=0.000. Peer relationships had the highest correlation with students' skills at (r =.665). The result also revealed that parent education and family income does not make any significant difference in students' skills. Peer relationship, school facilities and parental involvement were recognized as predictive factors which had the highest significant effect on students' skills. Peer relationships had the highest effect on the students' skills with the highest coefficient value (β= .520). From the findings, it could be suggested that the school and teachers should create awareness on positive peer relationship, deliver quality teaching and learning programs with enriching activities by employing cooperative learning strategies to develop and strengthen the students' skills.