Self-Concept and Academic Achievement in Botswana Primary School-Leaving Examinations

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between pupils' self-concepts and their performance on the Botswana Primary School-leaving Examinations. Pupils with high self-concepts scored significantly better than pupils with low self-concepts in their over-all performance as well as in the subject matter examined, namely, Mathematics, English, Science, and Social Studies. The sample included 2559 (1517 girls and 1042 boys) pupils of standard seven drawn from a stratified random sample of 51 schools across Botswana. Their ages ranged from 12 to 14 yr., with a mean of 13.9 yr. Self-concept was measured by Self-appraisal Scale and their academic performance was based on the scores obtained in the final national examinations.