FACTORS AFFECTING GRADE 11 AND 12 FEMALE STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS (THE CASE OF ADIHAKI PREPARATORY SCHOOL MEKELLE-TIGRAY REGION)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting grade 11 and 12 female students’ achievement in Mathematics in Adihaki Preparatory School. To clarify reliable data from the participants, the study used both descriptive and explanatory research design. To investigate the problem, 247 participants were selected from a total of 648 target populations, using simple random sampling, systematic sampling and proportional sampling methods. Stratified random sampling method is also used because the students were divided into heterogeneous classes and streams. The methods for gathering data were achievement test, questionnaire, interview and observations. Primary and secondary sources of information were reviewed in order to gather reliable data. Mean and percentage distribution were used to determine the profile of the respondents. Tables, bar graph and pie chart were used to obtain the result of the data from the respondents to determine personal, in-school and out of school factors. The result of the study showed that the variation in female students Mathematics achievement test was accounted by variability in major socio- economic variables (education, occupation and income) of parents. Similarly, the variation in female students Mathematics achievement test was accounted by Variability in both out of school and in school factors like, home related factors, personal factors and in school related factors. Therefore, the Education office of Adihaki Sub-City and School Principals should handle the problem that affect female students’ Mathematics achievement by acting with concerned bodies.