Student Achievement Research Articles

Gifted Students Learning in Homeschool Settings: Research and Policy Recommendations

ABSTRACT Despite upwards of 100,000 gifted students possibly being educated at home, research regarding this population is limited. The literature on gifted homeschooling includes topics such as motivations for homeschooling, modalities of instruction, and student achievement and social-emotional wellness. Recommendations for expanding the literature and providing better insight into these students’ experiences include determining the demographics of gifted homeschool students, surveying methods and costs of instruction, and measuring educational outcomes. It is imperative to collect and make this information publicly available, and to prioritize research on this population. Doing so will ensure that policy better serves the needs of these unique learners.

Homework quality and student achievement: the mediating role of motivation and emotions

ABSTRACT This study examined the direction and strength of relationships between homework quality (homework quality, feedback quality, autonomy support), homework motivation (expectancy and value), negative homework emotions, homework behaviour (homework time, homework completion) and academic achievement. Research data were collected from 628 secondary school students. The study tested two theoretical models. According to the findings, students’ motivation to do homework increases in parallel with an increase in teacher effort in selecting homework topics and providing feedback. Similarly, practices that provide autonomy in the homework process are also associated with increased motivation. The increase in homework quality leads to a decrease in negative emotions associated with homework. In parallel with the increase in homework quality, there is also an increase in homework completion behaviour. The relationship between homework quality and homework behaviour and academic achievement is mediated by homework motivation, but not by negative homework emotions. Expectancy and value are positively related to both homework completion and academic achievement. Expectancy and value are positively related to each other and negatively related to negative homework emotions.

Leadership Role of the School Principal in Developing and Improving Learner Performance in Eswatini Schools

This paper reports the findings of a study on the leadership role of school principals in developing and improving learner performance in schools. In this study, principals are the most influential educational leaders whose leadership role is inseparably linked to student performance. This study examines the basics of good leadership in line with student performance and offers practical suggestions that school leaders can employ. A qualitative case study embedded within the interpretative paradigm was conducted with five purposively sampled high schools and conveniently sampled principals in the Manzini region of Eswatini. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews. The findings showed that the principal is key to ensuring learner performance; thus, he is referred to as an instructional leader. The strategies principals employ to develop and improve learner performance are establishing a clear context relevant to school goals and focusing on those goals. Additionally, setting high expectations for student achievement and providing adequate resources and appropriate staff development programmes for teachers positively contribute to improving learner performance. Based on these findings, the study recommends that school principals have a knowledge-sharing platform on leadership practices and strategies for developing and improving learner performance.

Enhancing science achievement through inquiry activities: the critical role of perceived teacher support

ABSTRACT In science education, scientific inquiry is crucial for developing inquiry skills and constructing scientific knowledge. However, the impact of scientific inquiry activities on student achievement continues to be debated. A number of counterintuitive findings highlight the need to explore the underlying factors influencing the effectiveness of inquiry-based learning. This study employed hierarchical linear models (HLM) to investigate the role of students’ perceived school teacher support in moderating the relationship between inquiry-based science activities and science achievement. The sample used in this study was drawn from Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Guangdong in mainland China (B-S-J-G-China). These four provinces participated in the 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) as a collective group. The dataset comprised 9,592 students (4,543 females and 5,049 males) from 261 schools. Results revealed a negative correlation between inquiry-based activities and science achievement, indicating that a higher frequency of inquiry-based activities was associated with lower science achievement. However, this association was positively and significantly moderated by the extent of school teacher support. These findings highlight the pivotal role of students’ perceived school teacher support in enhancing the effectiveness of inquiry-based practices and shed light on optimising inquiry-based educational strategies. This suggests that the effective implementation of inquiry-based activities requires the backing of supportive teachers, with broader implications for curriculum design and teacher development in science education.

Fostering Cultural Awareness and Academic Engagement through Poetry Analysis in Kazakh Educational Contexts

This study investigated the effects of activity-based and traditional analysis methods on students’ attitudes toward poetry, academic achievement, and cultural identity. A pre-test-post-test control group experimental design—a quantitative research method—was employed. The class using activity-based analysis methods for poetry analysis was designated as the experimental group, while the class following the traditional analysis method served as the control group. Participants were second-year students from the Kazakh Literature Department at a university in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The study spanned eight weeks and involved 18 female and 15 male students in the experimental group, with 17 female and 15 male students in the control group. All students provided informed consent to participate voluntarily. The Scale of Attitude toward Poetry, Poetry Analysis Skills Academic Achievement Test, and Cultural Identity Perception Scale were administered to measure the study variables. The findings revealed that activity-based analysis methods positively impacted students’ attitudes toward poetry, with the experimental group demonstrating a more favorable approach than the control group. Additionally, students in the experimental group achieved higher academic performance in poetry analysis skills than those in the control group. Although both groups showed a general improvement in their cultural identity perception, no significant difference was found between them. These results support the potential of activity-based approaches in poetry education to increase student achievement and attitudes. Consequently, integrating such methods should be actively encouraged in future educational practices.

Influence of Classroom Management on Intermediate Level Students’ Academic Achievements in Aligarh District of Uttar Pradesh in India

This study investigates the impact of classroom management on student academic achievement at the intermediate level in Aligarh District, Uttar Pradesh, India, using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). A sample of 383 intermediate-level teachers was randomly selected, and student achievement data were obtained from final-year graduates. The study aims to assess the relationships between key classroom management factors—such as classroom rules, discipline methods, reward systems, and the teaching-learning process—and their influence on academic performance. SEM-PLS was employed to analyze the hypothesized model, evaluate the structural relationships between the variables, and validate measurement indicators. The results show a strong positive relationship between effective classroom management and student achievement. Key factors such as well-defined classroom rules, effective discipline, and reward systems were found to significantly influence student engagement and academic success. The model fit indices confirm the robustness of the proposed relationships. This research highlights the importance of structured classroom management in fostering student achievement and provides a comprehensive understanding of how classroom directives, rewards, and disciplinary methods contribute to learning outcomes. The findings suggest potential pathways for educational improvements and recommend further research to explore these dynamics across different educational settings using SEM-PLS.

Teachers' Attitudes Towards Self-Efficacy in the Compilation of Tests According to Bloom's Taxonomy Framework

This research aims to present the relationships between teachers' self-efficacy and their performance in mastering the skill of compilation of the tests according to Bloom's Taxonomy Framework. To realize this research, we have relied on numerous studies, and 100 teachers in different levels of pre-university education in Kosovo are a part of this research. Various types of research show that high self-efficacy is closely related to the use of new strategies in teaching and the teacher’s professional training. Therefore, the achievements of students in gaining knowledge cannot be missing. Teachers who possess a high degree of self-efficacy are more capable of adapting to pedagogical changes and the demands of the time, therefore it is of great importance to study the degree of self-efficacy of teachers as a primary result in encouraging learning. This research also presents the importance of various trainings and professional support to teachers to increase the sense of self-efficacy in their work. By analyzing the factors that influence teachers' self-efficacy, such as institutional support, work experience, and professional training, this research also offers practical recommendations for policymakers and school leaders to improve the quality of teaching. Received: 19 August 2024 / Accepted: 26 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

A Meta-Analysis on the Effectiveness of Gamification on Student Learning Achievement

Gamification is an educational strategy that makes learning fun and keeps students interested in learning, which helps them learn more and grow their knowledge. However, given its growing popularity, it is necessary to review empirical studies regarding gamification in education as an intervention for an effective teaching and learning process. Due to this need, the researcher conducted a meta-analysis to examine the impact of gamification on students' learning achievement across five moderator variables. Fifteen studies published between 2018 and 2022 were included in the review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Meta-essentials v. 1.5 were used to determine effect sizes (Hedge's g) and the outcomes of the forest plot, funnel plot, Begg-Mazumdar test, and moderator analysis. Findings revealed that gamification significantly and positively affected student learning achievement. The five moderator variables were found to be statistically insignificant. The results suggest that gamification would be appropriate across academic courses at all educational levels in Asian regions. Moreover, Kahoot is the gamified platform with the biggest effect size that could be used in well-designed in-person, online, or blended learning classes.

Potentiality of Mother Tongue Instruction and Multilingual Education Approach to Teaching English at Primary Level

The objectives of this study were to explore the participants’ lived experiences on medium of instruction while teaching English in the classrooms and to explore the participants’ lived experiences on Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education approach to teaching English at primary level. Phenomenological research design was employed to complete this study. A set of questionnaires, interviews and discussion were the major research tools and three primary level English teachers were the sample population of this study. Phenomenological interviews and a set of questionnaires were used to collect the data. The collected data were transcribed, translated, coded and interpreted and analyzed thematically. The result of this study shows that a suitable medium of instruction is the most important factor and MTB-MLE approach is an effective approach to teach English language for the children of ethnic group people at pre-primary level. This study has implications for social change as teachers who engage in collaboration with colleagues and reflective practice will positively affect student achievement. Students may be taught by teachers who have the knowledge, skills, and attitude required for a successful implementation of a multilingual approach.

Teacher Leadership Development: The Role of Professional Certification Programs

The past few decades have seen a growing interest in teacher leadership development worldwide. However, there is a need for more empirical research to understand how professional certification programs make teachers leaders, what roles teacher leaders play and what challenges they encounter. This study addresses these questions by examining the perceptions of eight professionally certified teachers working at a Government College in Bangladesh. As a qualitative study, participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling, and a self-developed semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect the data. Data were then analyzed thematically. The findings reveal that professional certification programs significantly contribute to making teachers as leaders, enhancing their pedagogical, professional, research, and collaborative skills compared to their prior positions. In addition, these professionally certified teacher leaders motivate students for better careers and organize seminars, symposiums, and workshops to improve their achievement, inspire colleagues to pursue higher degrees, exchange innovative teaching approaches with them for their professional development, and work on academic committees and research cells, provide valuable insights for overall college improvement. However, the study found that professionally certified teachers face challenges such as a top-down leadership approach, a lack of collaborative college culture, external political pressure, limited financial incentives for pursuing degrees, and a lack of desirable postings to complete the professional certification programs. In contrast to previous literature, the study did not find a lack of time among the professionally certified teachers to perform leadership roles. This study sheds new light on developing teacher leadership through professional certification programs and providing insights for principals and policymakers on how certified teachers contribute to overall college improvement. Future research should focus on the impact of teacher professional certifications on student achievement, colleagues’ professional development, and overall college improvement from students’, colleagues’ and principals’ perspectives.

ANALISIS PRINSIP AKUNTABILITAS, TRANSPARANSI, DAN EFEKTIVITAS DALAM PENGELOLAAN KEUANGAN SEKOLAH DASAR SWASTA SANTA THERESIA I PANGKALPINANG

This research is an analysis of the principles of accountability, transparency and effectiveness of school financial management at the Santa Theresia I Pangkalpinang Private Elementary School. This research aims to evaluate the application of the principles of accountability, transparency and effectiveness of school financial management at Santa Theresia I Pangkalpinang Private Elementary School. The method that researchers use is a qualitative descriptive analysis method where data collection uses observation, interview and documentation techniques. In this research, the author interviewed several sources including: School Principal, School Treasurer, and Chair of the School Committee. The research results show that Santa Theresia I Pangkalpinang Private Elementary School has demonstrated a commitment to accountability, legal compliance and integrity in its financial management. However, there are still areas that need improvement, such as increasing information transparency, active involvement of school committees, and evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs. Financial documentation is good but access to information is still limited, and supervision of the use of funds is not optimal. For future research, it is recommended to carry out further evaluation of the implementation of the recommendations proposed in this research. Additionally, the research focus could be expanded to explore the impact of improvements in school financial management on student academic achievement and parental satisfaction. Longitudinal studies can also be conducted to see developments and changes in school financial management practices over time.

Pengaruh Self Efficacy dan Self Esteem Terhadap Prestasi Akademik Mahasiswa Fakultas Ekonomika dan Bisnis Universitas Stikubank Semarang

This research was conducted at Stikubank University Semarang at the Faculty of Economics and Business. This research aims to analyze the influence of self-efficacy and self-esteem on student academic achievement. This research has a population of 1,160 students registered at the faculty of economics and business. The sampling technique uses a non-probability sampling method with a purposive sampling technique with criteria for students from semester 4 to semester 8. The number of samples in this research is 100 respondents. The results of this research shows that self-efficacy has a positive and significant effect on student academic achievement, self-esteem has a positive and significant effect on student academic achievement.

Examining the impacts of school bus travel on students' academic performance in two major cities

AbstractSchool buses are a prevalent mode of school travel that may negatively affect students’ academic performance due to numerous factors, including longer commutes. These extended travel times can introduce or exacerbate mental and physical stressors, including air pollution exposure and bullying, while reducing opportunities for health‐promoting activities like physical activity and sleep. While a few researchers have explored the effects of school bus transportation on academic achievement, the research is limited. In this study, we used data from two major Canadian cities, Toronto and Ottawa, to investigate the relationship between the proportion of students commuting by bus to and from school and the percentage meeting standards on standardized tests. We employed beta regression models to analyze performance in reading, writing, math, and literacy across Grades 3, 6, 9, and 10 while controlling for family and income variables that may influence school travel mode and student achievement. Our findings indicate a significant inverse correlation between school bus transportation and academic achievement for Grade 10 literacy. Longer commutes appear to impair academic performance, given that Grade 10 students presumably spend more time on the bus than younger students. Notably, the negative effects on literacy outcomes are greater than on math.

Correction to “Course grades as a signal of student achievement: Evidence of grade inflation before and after COVID‐19”

Correction to “Course grades as a signal of student achievement: Evidence of grade inflation before and after COVID‐19”

Exploring the Predictors of Successful Learning Action Cell Practices of Special Education Teachers

Learning Action Cells (LACs) have emerged as a powerful tool for fostering professional development among educators. By creating collaborative learning communities, LACs empower teachers to share knowledge, reflect on practice, and implement innovative strategies. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the effective implementation of LACs among Elementary Special Education (SPED) teachers in Davao City. Specifically, the study investigated the extent of LAC session practices and the level of self-efficacy of SPED teachers. A regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between these variables. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between LAC session practices and teachers' self-efficacy. SPED teachers demonstrated strong performance in various aspects of LAC implementation, including contextualization, process adherence, and content delivery. Similarly, they exhibited high levels of self-efficacy in classroom management, student engagement, instructional practices, and commitment. These results underscore the effectiveness of LACs in enhancing the professional capabilities of SPED teachers and ultimately improving student outcomes. The study recommends the continued implementation of LACs, with a focus on integrating 21st-century skills and assigning specific roles to team members to maximize their expertise. Future research could explore the long-term impact of LACs on teacher retention, student achievement, and overall school improvement.

Effect of Institutional Resources on Student Academic Achievement in Kakamega County, Kenya

The school environment has a substantial impact on the quality of education. A well-resourced, supportive, and positive environment can result in enhanced student outcomes, both academically and personally. This study sought to investigate the effect of institutional resources on student academic achievement Kakamega County, Kenya. The research employed the production function theory. The study was conducted using a descriptive correlational research design. This study took place in Kakamega County, which has thirteen sub-counties. The study focused on 423 secondary schools, which included 2 national schools, 2 national special schools, 28 extra county schools, 45 county schools, and 346 sub county schools. The target population included 423 Principals, 5514 teachers, and 182,893 learners, for a total of 188,830 respondents in Kakamega County secondary schools. Purposive sampling was used to choose special and national schools. The Yamane formula was used to determine a sample of 440 respondents. The study gathered data through interviews and questionnaires. A pilot study was conducted in Bungoma County to test the instruments' validity and reliability. Cronbach's alpha was employed as a statistical tool to assess reliability. The study analyzed quantitative data using Regression analysis. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. The results indicated that most of the institutions have resources that included classrooms, laboratories, libraries and others however they were not adequate. The results further revealed that most of the schools have adequate number of teachers while a sizeable were still struggling with fewer teachers. On the study’s hypothesis, H01 that states that there is no statistically significant effect of institutional resources on student academic achievement in Kakamega County, Kenya was rejected at p=0.003. The study concluded that there is a significant positive relationship between institutional resources and student academic achievement in Kakamega County, Kenya. The study thus recommends that the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to enhance funding for school infrastructure, learning materials, and teacher training to improve student achievement. Implement strategies to boost student achievement and optimize teacher-student ratios like recruiting more teachers and teacher interns to fill the gaps.

Existence of independent learning curriculum and portrait of ideal curriculum management in laboratory schools

Each schools have the autonomous right to manage and develop an independent curriculum according to its potential. However, the implementation of the independent learning curriculum is dependent on proper management at the school level, so there may be obstacles faced by schools in managing the independent learning curriculum. The purpose of this study is to investigate the concept and problems, as well as school strategies in managing an independent learning curriculum in laboratory schools. This research was studied qualitatively with a multi-site study design. Data collection was conducted through focus group discussions (FGDs) with semistructured interviews, observations, and documentation studies. Data validity was checked using source triangulation, discussion among fellow researchers, and adequacy of reference materials. Data analysis techniques used constant comparative analysis. The results show that learning activities in the independent curriculum emphasize character education and the achievement of students' happiness in learning, and schools implement differentiated learning and simplify the values contained in P5 through projects and fun learning. This research contributes theoretically and practically, by complementing previous literature and can be a guide for school managers in order to ideally manage an independent curriculum.

Race-blind admissions, school segregation, and student outcomes

In 2007, the Supreme Court declared race-conscious school admissions unconstitutional. This paper provides the first evaluation of a related federal mandate where the Columbus City School District was forced to adopt a race-blind lottery system for its magnet schools. I explore the impact of the dramatic increase in racial segregation resulting from the mandate. More segregated schools spend less per-pupil, enroll lower achieving students, employ lower value-added teachers, and perpetuate “White flight” out of the district. Ultimately, segregation arising from mandated race-blind admissions causes student achievement and college attendance rates to decline.

Valid and reliable instrument for measuring Indonesian students’ reading literacy

The study aims to verify the validity and reliability of a set of tests for measuring Indonesian students’ reading literacy achievement that has been developed by the Center for Language Strategy and Diplomacy Development as well as the Educational Assessment Center, two institutions under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. The construct validity of the test was verified using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the reliability was estimated using the composite reliability (CR) formula. The data used were responses from a sample of 6,539 students from 294 high schools in 34 provinces in Indonesia. The sample was established using a multistage sampling technique from the study population of 15-year-old students in Indonesia. The results indicated that the construct validity of the test was verified and the reliability coefficient was 0.805, which was defined good. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the set of tests is appropriate to be used to measure Indonesian students’ reading literacy achievement. In other words, using the set of tests will establish measurement that can reflect the reading literacy achievement of Indonesian students.

The effects of free tuition policy on university academic performance in Chile

AbstractIn 2016 Chile initiated a policy of free tuition for students from families in the lower half of the income distribution to improve access to and completion of higher education. The empirical effectiveness of the policy has not yet been completely demonstrated. This study analysed the difference in levels of academic performance of students enrolled in 12 Chilean universities with and without free tuition. The study used a regression discontinuity design with a running discrete variable locally randomised. The results show that the academic performance of students receiving free tuition was equivalent to that of students paying the full cost. There was no difference in the course pass rate of those with or without free tuition. Over time the effects of the policy could reduce inequality in the professional labour market. In addition, the study suggests that there may be complementary practices that further improve university student achievement and completion rates.