Exploring Barriers of Low Performing Girl through Voices of Teachers and Students of Rural Elementary Public Schools

Author(s) : Muhammad Uzair-ul-Hassan, Laila Kanwal, Iram Parveen & Mehr Mohsin Raza

Abstract:

This study was aimed to explore the barriers of low achievers of rural elementary public schools in Punjab. The objectives of the study were to identify the barriers which resist low achievers’ success in learning inside and outside the school and to suggest coping strategies to minimize these barriers. The study was exploratory in nature, so it carried out under the umbrella of qualitative research approach. The sample of the study was 10 teachers and 20 low achievers students selected from girls of rural elementary public schools of Sargodha, Punjab. For sample selection, first, the researchers conveniently selected 10 schools from Sargodha district. Secondly, the teachers and students were purposively selected. The interview protocol was used to collect the data. The researchers personally visited the schools and conducted interviews to obtain in-depth data of the barriers which have multilayered hidden realities and causes, as perceived and experienced by the teachers and students. For data analysis, microanalysis of the transcripts of interviews was used. The findings revealed that personal, educational, societal, economical, emotional and home related barriers are the main reasons to make girls low achievers. It was concluded that due to these forces, students remain left behind and show poor performance in the classes and examinations. The study recommends the coping strategies to schools managers and teachers that may be used to overcome such barriers.

Keywords: Barriers, Low Achievers and Elementary Schools