Comparative study of matriculants’ performances in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Abstract

This cross-section, comparative and quantitative study used secondary data, as supplied by the Department of Basic Education through Umalusi council. The dataset contained a total of 54546 (47.15% male and 52.85% female) learners who set for matric examinations in 2008 academic year. The study aimed at comparing the performances of male and female matriculants in Mpumalanga Province. Contrary to the crude estimates which indicated that the performances of male and females are not significantly different (p = 0.076, β = 0.133, 95% CI: - 0.029 to 0.579) - the result from adjusted mixed-effects model indicates that female learners performed significantly better than male learners (p < 0.043, β = 1.311, 95% CI: 0.010 – 1.612). The type of school is significantly associated with learners’ performances. Educational authorities may need to introduce policies that balance the distribution of educational resources, as they take heed of gender-issues.

Keywords: Matriculant, Academic performance, Gender, Mixed-effects model, Type of school