The effect of socio-economic status and environmental factors on the academic performance of students at Asmara College of Education

Abstract

This study examines whether various environmental factors and the socio-economic status of families influence academic achievement (cumulative grade point average) of students at Asmara College of Education (Asmara, Eritrea). A questionnaire survey was conducted among students to gather information on this subject. Descriptive statistics, crosstabs, Person chi-squared tests were used and analysis of variance was performed by the authors to study data. The results indicate that none of the variables examined, except gender of students and learning resources pro-vided by their families to them, affect cumulative grade point averages. Many students perceive that their academic achievement could be improved instead by building intrinsic motivation, plan-ning, and effective time management. Furthermore, Eritrea provides free education at all levels, including higher institutions, which thereby minimizes socio-economic constraints and provides equal opportunities to all citizens. However, parents should pay attention to their children to im-prove their academic performance, while colleges should also support students by providing a conducive environment for learning.