School-related Factors that Favoured Significant Achievements in the Science Subject at the G.C.E (O/L) 2020: A Contextual Analysis on the Kilinochchi District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the school-related factors that favoured the students’ Science achievement in the Kilinochchi district at G.C.E (O/L) 2020. The research was conducted through contextual analysis. Quantitative method research design was adopted. The samples for questionnaire survey were selected through random sampling method and to build up the conceptual framework for this study, interviews were conducted with the samples for the interviews selected through purposive sampling technique. A questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. The data collected were analyzed using the descriptive analyzing techniques: Frequency, Percentage, and Garrett Ranking Technique. The findings of the study indicate that the most dominant factors favoring achievement in Science were the target-oriented work of teachers and the use of appropriate learning-materials with the contribution of supervision, both external and internal, being at 8th and 10th in the Garrett Ranks. Furthermore, the factors such as time spent with students, scientifically well-planned zonal activities, continuous examinations, remedial activities, and motivated teachers were identified as secondary factors. Despite Science being a skill-oriented subject, the influence of laboratory work was also not considerable, as indicated by its Garrett Rank of 9. It is recommended that Science education in Sri Lanka be enhanced by specifically identifying the factors that are conducive to the development of Science achievement by conducting similar ground-level studies in the other districts.