Study on the Social Factors Influencing on the Selection of A/L Stream in G.C.E A/L Examination: An exploratory study

Abstract

G.C.E Advanced Level Examination completers can access both high-paid jobs and tertiary education opportunities, but many of them fail due to the wrong selection of subject stream. Aim of this study was to investigate the social factors influencing on the selection of A/L stream. The descriptive research design used to gather panel data from a sample of undergraduates of the university of Vocational Technology (n=50) who did their A/L” s representing Art, Commerce, Mathematics, Science, and Technology stream. With the utilization of mixed methodology, research incorporated with qualitative data analysis through interviews as well as quantitative gathering through questionnaires. The personal based semi-structured interview was the main instrument of data collection instrument to get an inside into real-life experience regarding the social influential factors on the selection of A/L stream. Results mainly highlighted as social factors: student-related characteristics such as interest, priority, talent, skill G.C.E O/L exam results, job prospect and the social environmental factors such as parents, siblings, friends and peers, teachers while as institutional factors such as the intention of higher education impact on the decision significantly and positively. The study suggested that initiating seminars, awareness programs to enhance the value of knowledge, regarding the selection of A/L stream is essential in the school context.