Academic Performance and Drop-Out in Sri Lankan Universities

Abstract

The aim of the research was to identify the factors which influence the academic performance and the drop out of students in Sri Lankan Universities. The major findings are given below:- 1. GCE A Level aggregate marks which are held to determine academic ability at entry is identified academic performance. It is also relevant to the drop out of students who require pre-entry subject specific knowledge for their courses at university. 2. The results at the first examination is a significant predictor of degree completion. 3. Students entering with high marks generally graduated with a class. This linkage is more marked for students who require pre-entry subject specific knowledge at university. 4. Students from urban districts generally enter with higher marks than those from rural districts and they have a higher pass rate at examinations than those from rural districts. 5. Students entering on their first attempt have entered with higher marks than repeaters and they have a higher pass rate at examinations than the latter. 6. When students are classified according to either gender or medium, the group that entering with high marks at A Level has a higher pass rate at an examination than the other group that enters with lower marks.