The factors influence on G.C.E A/L stream selection: a sociological research based on Mullaithivu district

Abstract

Advanced Level Education is more important for the personal, social and economic development of the individual as well as the nation. Education achievements are seen as precious advancements in Tamil community who are living in North and East part of Sri Lanka. Parents and teachers have been trying for better educational achievement of Tamil students for a very long time. The objective of this study is to identify the social, family and the school factors influence on G.C.E A/L stream selection among students in Mullaithivu District. A mixed method (quantitative and qualitative) was employed to collect the relevant data for this study. Primary data were questionnaires, case study and semi structured interviews with parents, teachers and students. This study utilized the secondary data too such as available literature reviews and Province Education web site. Total samples comprised with 749, 120 students from 25 schools in Mullaithivu Districtv (2016). Simple Random sampling method was used to identify the factors influence on A/L stream selection. Basic statistical procedures and qualitative techniques were used to analyze the data. Results indicate that the family factors with 80 % of the total sampling (low income, high tuition fee for science and Maths, Lack family support, and living condition). Hence the site of social, distance between home and school, non - availability of private classes and limited transport facilities are much influencing factor to choose the subject. Low income of the family and the living condition of the students are the most important factor influence on subject selection. The government must take necessary steps to improve the standard of education of the students who are living in Mullaithivu District. As a recommendation of this research, Government must improve the facilities of this district.