Academic performance among high school students: assessment and management of risk factors

Abstract

Academic backwardness has become an index of child‘s future in this highly competitive world. There are many factors which influence the problem of child‘s academic backwardness and they can be clustered as physical, cognitive, psychological, family, social, academic and environmental factors. Aim of the study was to explore the risk factors contributing to Poor Academic Performance of high school students and to prepare an intervention module addressing the risk factors explored. The study tested the hypotheses such as there will be significant difference between pre, post and delayed post test scores of experimental and control group on academic procrastination and High school competencies. A mixed method experimental (or intervention) design was adopted by the researcher. The Exploratory Sequential mixed method design was employed with three phase procedure. For the second part of the research with testing the efficacy of the modules created, Pretest- Posttest delayed post test control group design was done. Lack of motivation, inappropriate study habits, mobile addiction, and lack of goal orientation, procrastination behavior, family issues and peer pressure are the major factors reported by parents, teachers and students as the risk factors of poor academic performance. Efficacy of the module was tested. Module was found to be effective for Decreasing academic procrastination, Improving family relationship, Improving fellow student relationship, Improving teacher relationship, Improving learning assessment, Effective emotional control, Enhance study self efficacy, Increase intrinsic motivation, Increase extrinsic motivation, Effective time management skills and Increase study dedication.