Academic Performance of Third-Grade Students in the First Cycle of the Juan Pablo Duarte and Juan Sánchez Ramírez Schools, Educational District 16-01, Cotuì, School Year 2005-2006

Abstract

The Dominican education system has implemented new changes aimed at improving the quality of education, in order to achieve higher student performance. In this regard, priority has been given to compliance with class schedules, teacher training, content adaptation, and the use of new methodologies, resources, or teaching materials, among others, in accordance with what is set out in the official documents of the Secretariat of Education. This research used a descriptive design, since it describes the concepts or variables that affect the academic performance of students in the 3rd grade. Three types of instruments were used: a questionnaire, the records of each course, and an observation guide, which were validated by the advisor and later by the panel that reviewed this thesis. Regarding teachers' sex, most are female, while most students are male. 66% of teachers hold a bachelor's degree in basic education. Regarding methodological strategies, deficiencies were observed in compliance with scheduled class hours, as well as in the planning of the content taught. In general, students' average grades range as follows: 73 points in Spanish Language, 72 points in Mathematics, 74 points in Social Studies, and 74 points in Natural Sciences. It is recommended, to the directors of the Juan Pablo Duarte and Juan Sánchez Ramírez educational centers: greater oversight regarding content planning and compliance with class hours. To the authorities of Educational District 16-01: to conduct a review regarding teachers' areas of specialization, as well as training sessions on the use of teaching resources and materials, and the promotion of homework support rooms. To teachers: to place greater emphasis on review and feedback as well as on formative and continuous assessment. To the Guidance Department: to implement measures to determine the causes of this low performance, as well as the factors affecting performance by shift. To representatives of the Dominican Teachers' Association (ADP): to seek mechanisms allowing teachers who only hold a technical-level qualification to continue their studies, and to discontinue the practice of appointing teachers with only this level of qualification.

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