Rimsha kiran thesis.docx

**Influence of school culture on the academic achievement of students** **By** **Rimsha kiran** **Roll No: 5639** **Federal College of Education H-9 Islamabad.** **Session (2022-2024)** **Influence of school culture on the academic achievement of students** **By** **Rimsha kiran** **Roll No...

**Influence of school culture on the academic achievement of students** **By** **Rimsha kiran** **Roll No: 5639** **Federal College of Education H-9 Islamabad.** **Session (2022-2024)** **Influence of school culture on the academic achievement of students** **By** **Rimsha kiran** **Roll No: 5639** **BS.ED(5 to 8) 8^Th^ semester** **Federal College of Education H-9 Islamabad.** **Session 2022-2024** **CHAPTER 1** **INTRODUCTION:** **1.1 Background of study:** School culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that define a school\'s identity and influence the experiences of its students and staff. A positive school culture has been linked to various positive outcomes, including improved academic achievement, increased student motivation, and better teacher morale. However, the impact of school culture on academic achievement is a complex and multifaceted issue that warrants further exploration. Studies have demonstrated that a supportive school environment can help students feel like they belong and have a feeling of community, which increases their motivation and involvement in their education (Wang & Holcombe, 2010). Students who have a sense of belonging and support from their school are more motivated to adopt a growth mindset and take calculated risks in their studies. Improved academic performance and reduced achievement gap between various student groups may follow from this. The fact that school culture has the power to either strengthen or weaken current economic and social gaps emphasizes how important it is for impacting academic achievement. For example, a school culture that fosters tolerance and diversity can lessen the effects of structural injustices and provide underrepresented kids more chances to achieve. On the other hand, a bad school culture can be harmful to students\' academic performance. Abuse, harassment, and low expectations can create a toxic atmosphere that deters students from being motivated and involved. Furthermore, pupils\' intellectual curiosity and love of learning may be suppressed in a school environment that places a higher priority on rote memorization and standardized testing than on critical thinking and creativity. In addition, the culture of the school might affect how pupils and teachers are taught. Collaborative and innovative cultures can motivate educators to use effective teaching strategies and empower students to take charge of their education. On the other hand, a culture that promotes compliance and conformity may result in a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching that is unable to accommodate the wide range of requirements of pupils. The larger social and economic environment in which schools function has an impact on the relationship between academic achievement and school culture. For instance, institutional differences and resource limitations may provide particular difficulties for schools in low-income neighborhoods in developing a positive school culture. Even though school culture has a big impact on how well students do academically, more research is still needed on this subject. A dearth of thorough, long-term studies has been observed that investigate the complex relationship between school culture and academic achievement, despite the fact that some research has looked at the effects of particular elements of school culture, such as parent participation and teacher-student relationships. Research that examines the viewpoints and experiences of various stakeholders, such as students, instructors, parents, and administrators, is also necessary. The purpose of this study is to add to the body of literature by investigating the impact of school culture on students\' academic accomplishment. It will specifically look at how school culture affects student involvement, motivation, and academic success and pinpoint the major cultural elements that support these results. In order to improve student outcomes and advance educational equity, this study aims to give insights that can guide policies and practices by examining the complicated and multifaceted relationship between academic accomplishment and school culture. **1.2 Statement of the problem:** The influence of school culture on the academic achievement of students is a crucial topic in education, as it directly impacts the learning outcomes and overall development of students. However, despite its significance, the role of school culture in shaping student success remains underexplored and often overlooked in educational policies and practices. Depending on its focus, school culture may help or prevent academic success, according to research. A school with a healthy culture creates a sense of belonging, increases student involvement, and stimulates creativity and teamwork. On the other hand, a bad school culture can result in a poisonous classroom, bored students, and low motivation. High rates of student turnover, teacher tiredness, and violence are signs of a broken school climate that can harm students\' academic performance. The issue is that a lot of schools find it difficult to establish a supportive environment that encourages academic success. Rather, they frequently give other objectives---like maintaining order and discipline priority over the welfare and participation of the students. As a result, there may be a disconnect between the school\'s declared objectives and its actual operations, which makes students feel unwelcome and untrusting. In addition, schools trying to foster a culture that encourages academic success for all children face new difficulties due to the diversifying student bodies and the increased focus on accountability metrics. The creation of practical solutions to enhance student outcomes is made difficult by the dearth of knowledge regarding the connection between academic accomplishment and school culture. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine how school culture affects academic performance by identifying the particular cultural components that either support or undermine academic success. This study looks at the complex connection between academic success and school culture in an effort to offer insights that can guide efforts to improve schools and eventually improve student learning outcomes. **1.3 Research objectives:** 1: To find the relationship between school culture and academic achievement among students in public high schools. 2: To explore the perspectives of students, teachers, and administrators on the role of school culture in shaping academic achievement. 3: To assess the relationship between school culture and student outcomes such as attendance, discipline, and college readiness. **1.4 Research Questions:** 1: How does school culture influence student academic achievement? 2: Do teacher- student relationships in schools with a strong culture impact academic achievement? 3: Do extracurricular activities in schools with a positive culture contribute to academic achievement? **1.5 Significance of Research Study:** This study on the influence of school culture on the academic achievement of students is significant for several reasons. First of all, knowing how school culture affects academic performance can assist educators and decision-makers in coming up with better ways to support students. By identifying the particular cultural elements that support academic performance, educational institutions can create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and growth in students.\ \ Second, the study can contribute to closing the ongoing achievement gaps that occur throughout many educational systems. This research can provide insight into how to better support disadvantaged or underrepresented student populations, resulting in more equal educational outcomes, by looking at how school culture affects academic attainment. Thirdly, professional growth programs and teacher preparation can benefit from this research. Through this study, educators can better address the needs of different student groups and improve education and student accomplishment by emphasizing the value of cultural sensitivity and understanding in teaching techniques.\ \ Finally, this research has the ability to further the discourse regarding the function of education in our society. Examining how school culture affects student results, this research can contribute to the conversation of how education can be used to advance equality, social mobility, and economic development. This study could significantly advance our knowledge of how school culture affects student results, which will ultimately guide the development of educational policies that support the success of all children. **1.6 Delimitation of the Research Study** This study is delimited due to less time and financial resources Only secondary level schools The study will focus on secondary schools in a specific region. **1.7 Operational Definitions** **1.7.1 School Environment:\ \ **The common ideals, attitudes, customs, and behaviors that characterize a school\'s social and academic climate are referred to as its \"school culture.\" It includes the behaviors, relationships, and exchanges between staff, teachers, administrators, and students as well as the actual and intellectual components that contribute to the overall environment and climate of the school. The way that teachers, staff, and students view themselves, their responsibilities, and their relationships is influenced by the culture of the school, which in turn affects how they approach teaching and learning. **1.7.2 The elements that build school culture:\ \ **1. **Collaborative Leadership:** How well school administrators create a common goal, invite involvement, and build a feeling of community.\ 2. **Teacher-Student Relationships**: the standard of communication, understanding, and compassion between educators and learners.\ 3. **Academic Expectations**: The degree of difficulty, challenge, and assistance given to students in order for them to succeed academically.\ 4**. Inclusivity and Respect**: How much the school celebrates diversity, upholds equity, and helps each student feel like they belong.\ 5**. Student Engagement**: The degree of motivation, interest, and active participation that students have in their education. **1.7.3 Influence on Academic Performance:**\ \ Students\' academic success is significantly impacted by school culture because it\ \ 1. **Shapes Motivation**: Students who are exposed to a growth mindset in the classroom are more likely to take chances and persevere in their studies.\ 2. **Develops Confidence**: Positive interactions between teachers and students as well as a feeling of community can help pupils feel more self-assured and confident in their skills.\ 3. **Encourages Engagement**: A culture that emphasizes academic rigor and gives students chances to get involved can boost student involvement and engagement.\ 4**. Fosters Resilience:** Students who grow up in an environment that values hard work and persistence are more likely to be strong and acquire coping mechanisms.\ 5. **Encourages Teacher Effectiveness:** Positive and cooperative work environments can boost teachers\' morale, peace of mind, and ability to teach. **1.8 Research Methodology** **1.8.1 Research Design** The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of school culture on academic achievement. **1.8.2 Population of the Study** The population for this study includes all secondary school students and teachers within the selected region. **[LEVEL]** **[POPULATION]** **[DESCRIPTION]** **[SIZE]** ------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------ **Students** Secondary school students Grades 9-12, urban areas 5,500 **Teachers** Secondary school teachers Grades 9-12, urban areas 900 **Administrators** Secondary school teachers Principals, Vice Principals, etc., urban areas 120 **Parents/Guardians** Parents/guardians of secondary school student Grades 9-12, urban areas 4,500 **School staff** Non-teaching staff in secondary schools Counselors, librarians, lab technicians, etc., urban areas 120 **Total** 10,270 **1.8.3 Sample and Sampling Technique** **[SAMPLE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUES:]** A stratified random sampling method will be used to ensure representation from different types of schools (urban, public, private). **LEVEL** **POPULATION SIZE** **SAMPLE SIZE** ----------------------- --------------------- ----------------- **students** 5,500 360 **Teachers** 900 270 **Administrators** 120 92 **Parents/Guardians** 4,500 354 **School staff** 250 152 **Total** 1,228 **1.8.4 Research Instrument** The study will use surveys, interviews, and academic performance records as primary data collection instruments. **1.8.5 Validity of Research Instrument** To ensure validity, the instruments will be reviewed by educational experts and piloted in a small subset of the population. **1.8.6 Pilot Study** A pilot study will be conducted with a small sample of students to test the reliability and feasibility of the survey instrument. The pilot study will help identify any issues with the survey questions and ensure that the instrument is suitable for the target population. **1.8.7 Reliability of Research Instrument** The reliability of the survey instrument will be assessed using Cronbach\'s alpha coefficient. A minimum value of 0.7 will be considered acceptable for internal consistency. **1.8.8 Procedure of Data Collection** The survey questionnaire will be administered to the selected sample of students during regular school hours. Students will be informed about the purpose of the study and assured of the confidentiality of their responses **1.8.9 Data Analysis and Interpretations** Data Analysis Techniques: The study will use descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis techniques to analyze the data. Data Interpretation: The findings will be interpreted in light of the research question and objectives.