International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue IX, September 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

An Analysis of the Factors Affecting Academic Performance of Undergraduate Students

Nasrin Islam¹*, Md. Ahad Hossen², Purba Saha^3
1Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Varendra University, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
^2,3Department of Economics, Varendra University, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

*Corresponding Author

Abstract: The aim of this study is to analyze the factors affecting the academic performance of undergraduate students. Work in this area has the potential to provide important suggestions to improve the standard and quality of education and performance of students studying at Varendra University as well as other similar institutions. Primary data was collected from 299 undergraduate students (4th to 12th semester) through a well-defined questionnaire using a simple random sample technique and followed a face to face interview method. The data was collected for the Fall-2019 semester when the total population was 2800. Then the raw data was organized using Microsoft Excel. Afterward, the data were analyzed in STATA 14.2. Pearson Correlation Coefficient test was done to observe the strength of the relationship among variables. Through a one-way ANOVA test factors such as class lecture understanding level of students, active participation in a university program, attentiveness, HSC grade, sharing the result with parents found significant. Though the result of this study is based on a particular private institution the findings can be useful when comparing the results of a similar entity. The findings of the study would help students to understand their strengths and weakness and act properly for better academic achievement. Also, the authority will be conscious when implementing policy toward ensuring better academic performance.
Key words: academic performance, undergraduate students, simple random sampling, Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA test.

JEL classification: C1, C8

I. INTRODUCTION

Rajshahi is well known as a green city and educational centre of Bangladesh. The city is home to many renowned educational institutions of Bangladesh both public and private educational institutions. Varendra University (VU) is the first Government approved private university in Rajshahi. The credit for the idea of establishing this University goes to Varendra University Trust (VUT), which is the founder organization of the University. This Trust is a non-political and non-profit oriented organization. The mission of the university is to contribute to national development by producing innovative, skilled, and technologically trained manpower. The vision of Varendra University is to emerge as one of the leading and premier centers of higher studies in arts, social science, science, engineering and technology.
With the mission and vision of Varendra University, it is our