An Analysis of Factors Affecting the Academic Performance of Private and Public College Students: Implications for Effective Teaching Strategy

Abstract

Ethiopia is among the world’s poorest nations in terms of Human Development Index (HDI), which is 0.244 compared to 0.380 for Sub-Saharan Africa (UNDP, 1998). Education, being one of the most important components of HDI, is considered to be an important means of bringing about development of a country. Quality of education is one of the most important indicators for the success of any educational institution. Although students’ academic performance is not the only indicator, it is one parameter for the quality of education. This study is, therefore, designed to identify the factors that affect the academic performance of College students and thereby suggest possible solutions. The study was conducted at St. Mary's and Addis Ababa Commercial Colleges by considering the 2004 prospective graduating classes of Accounting Department students as samples. Since there was a possibility of getting students' CGPA from St. Mary's College, sample size was determined statistically and at 10% error term, 108 students were found to be representatives. But, no-response was recieved from five students. Only 103 of them were considered in the study. The size of sample taken from each stratum was decided on the basis of proportional sampling technique. Simple random sampling technique was employed and a structured interview prepared for the purpose was used to collect the data. From Addis Ababa Commercial College, 100 students were randomly selected so as to conduct the questionnaire survey. But due to low response rate, it was possible to get only 40 respondents. The data were analyzed through paired T-test and levels regression model. The preliminary findings revealed that there is no statistically significant difference in male and female students' academic performances at St. Mary's College. In addition, factors like studying program, starting time of study, study style, financial problems, use of reference materials, and the number of days of being absent from class are found to affect students' academic performances.