Factors that affect the academic achievement of students transferring from island schools to schools in Male' / Aishath Sheetha

Abstract

This research is based on the factors that affect the academic achievement of students transferring from island schools to schools in Male', and was analyzed in order to gain greater insight regarding the factors. The significance of the study is due to the fact that a large number of students from schools in other islands move to schools in Male' in the hope of better education, and yet there is little understanding as to what factors and how these factors affect the students' academic performance. The major limitation of the study was lack of availability of enough literature, and concerns for confidentiality, as the study was related to a social issue in Maldives. The research design used was qualitative and the sampling strategy used in the study was purposive sampling method. The instrument used was a semi-structured interview. The data collection procedure included audio recording the event and noting the important points. Data analysis was done through a series of steps: the pre-analysis stage, data reduction stage, data display, data verification, and the findings. Major findings were that the societal environment, school culture, peer relationship and social adjust are factors that affect the academic achievement of students relocating from island schools to schools in Male'. These are factors have both positive and negative effect on their performance. The study also reveals the importance of ensuring that students are monitored and guided by parents and schools during all the stages of transfer process.