Problems of Student Achievement in Education

Problems of Student Achievement in Education Student achievement is a subject that attracts great concern from parents, teachers, administrators, and even policy makers. Despite the fact that teachers are mostly the victims of blame after poor academic performance, there are many factors that may make students perform poorly in their exams. Some of these factors can be controlled by teachers, while others are well beyond their control.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Problems of Student Achievement in Education specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The main challenge in combating poor student performance in schools has been the identification of the aforementioned factors. School administrators should, therefore, ensure that they do all they can to establish the reason for non-performance of students. This paper is an exploration of some of the main cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors that influence student performance. There is a close relationship between the backgrounds of students and their performance. Some of the domestic problems that affect student performance include food insecurity, domestic violence and parents who abuse drugs (Andrews, 2005).Students also perform poorly due to health-related problems. These include sight problems, poor hearing ability, and poor sleeping patterns (Andrews, 2005). The latter makes students unable to concentrate during lessons leading to poor performance. Combining education with work has also contributed to poor student performance. This is normally evident in mid-age students. The pressure under which such students operate makes them unable to dedicate enough time to studies, and thus they end up performing poorly in their exams (Thomas, 2003). The students may also fail to see the meaning of education because they may give too much value to the money they make. This may make them commit more time to their jobs than the time they commit for studies. Also among the factors influencing student performance is the fact that students may form ethnic groups in schools (Jacobson, 2003). These groups are usually formed by students who belong to a given ethnic community, and they negatively affect student performance since the activities of the groups tend to be non-academic. Other students may form peer groups which may negatively influence their members leading to poor academic performance (Andrews, 2005). Given the devastating effect that the aforementioned issues have had on student performance, and the fact that attempts to curb them have been largely unsuccessful, there is need for a nuanced approach in dealing with them. Parents should ensure that they provide an environment conducive for student-growth.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This will be instrumental in ensuring that domestic problems do not impact student performance. Teachers, on the other hand, shou ld ensure that they understand the special problems of their students, especially problems related to health, and come up with counter-measures for ensuring that students get the best out of class work. There is also the need for teachers and school administrators to monitor students closely in order to ensure that their activities within the school are focused on academics (Thomas, 2003). Peer groups, and ethnic groups, should be strictly discourages because they have adverse effects on student performance. This will help to reduce influence within the school, and discourage laxity. Administrators should also ensure that they address the issue of working students. The administration in schools should develop appropriate policies that will ensure working students get their best out of their education. Finally, students should be given periodic and holistic counsel to ensure that they do their best to get good grades. Reference List Andrews, T. (2005). Reasons Why Students’ Ac ademic performance May Be Impacted. Web. Blair, S. (1999). Racial/Ethnic Differences in High School Student’s Academic  Performance. Journal of Comparative Family Studies, Vol 30, pp. 11-27. Jacobson, O. (2003). Educational achievement and Black-White inequality. Washington DC: National Center for Education Statistics. Thomas, J. (2003). Socioeconomic Status, Race, Gender, Retention: Impact on Student Achievement. Web.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Problems of Student Achievement in Education specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More