Factors affecting IU students' academic performance
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate factors affecting academic performance of undergraduate students of International University (IU). Emphasis of the research is to establish the causal relationship between communication, learning facilities, proper guidance, family stress, part time employment and academic performance of students in International University. The study employed the use of correlation design to establish the nature of the relationships. Data was collected from 209 respondents selected from seven schools and departments of International Univeristy using the online questionnaire and 10 students to conduct focus group meeting. The validity of the measurement scale was tested by Cronbach’s Alpha indicator. To analyze the data, several statistical tools were used such as descritive analysis, principle component analysis, Peason correlation analysis and regression analysis.
The findings revealed the existence of significant relationships between communication, proper guidance, part time employement and academic performance but there was no statistical evident to prove the relationship of learning facilities, family stress and academic performance. In addition, students in focus group meeting suggest factors affecting their performance at International University included family factor, friend, lecturer and self-motivation. Based on the findings, researcher makes following conclusions: Students that good at communication will get chance to understand lecture easily and deeply, and they tend to achieve better outcomes. Proper guidance is important factors that provide student psychological support and environment that is suitable for students to develop necessary skills for success at university. Part time employment also have positive effect on academic performance since it helps them to have real environment to apply theory learned and achieving practical experience. Learning facilities and family stress seem not have significant impact on student performance.
Based on conclusion made, researcher gives recommendations. For students, communication is crucial since improving English, group work, class attendance and
ix
discussion may help student to improve their academic outcomes. Family and the
management of university provide different guidance; students should utilize this advantage to study better. A part-time job would be helpful for students if they know how
to choose a suitable job (time schedule, type of job). For International University’s
lecturers and staffs: lecturer may find way to match their teaching style and learning style
of student in other to help students have motivation to learn by themselves. Moreover, the management of the school should improve several aspects of learning facilities such as library system or courses registration system. Finally yet importantly, the guidance from parents and school are important, there is also a need of students for tutor in difficult
courses and sufficient learning materials.