Factors Influencing School Absenteeism among G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Students

Abstract

The G.C.E. Advanced Level examination, representing a pivotal milestone in a student’s academic journey, fundamentally shapes their future trajectory. A prevailing trend of continuously declining trend in school attendance is currently being observed among students studying in the G.C.E. Advanced level grades. This research study aims to investigate the factors influencing the school absenteeism of G.C.E. (Advanced Level) students. Over the past several decades, the nation has navigated a multitude of transitions, including economic recessions, the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, and rapid technological advancements. In such a socio-environmental landscape, the determinants contributing to the persistent decline in G.C.E. Advanced Level student attendance may significantly diverge from those identified in previous decades. The present study is premised on the central research question: “what are the factors influencing the non-attendance of G.C.E. Advanced Level students?” study population comprised the principals, teachers, students and their parents from all government schools maintaining functional G.C.E. Advanced level sections. The research sample consisted of 10 principals, 50 teachers, 100 students and 20 parents selected from 10 schools within the Colombo Education Zone. The research sample was selected utilizing the simple random sampling technique. The research methodology employed was a mixed-methods approach. The data collection instrument utilized in this study included questionnaires, interviews and documentary analysis. The data analysis methods employed in this study descriptive statistical techniques for quantitative data, and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The research conclusions are presented under the sub-themes of student-related factors, principal-related factors, teacher-related factors, factors associated with the school learning environment, family environment-related factors and social and environmental factors.