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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The effect of student characteristics on achievement in introductory microeconomics in South Africa
Author:Parker, KudayjaISNI
Year:2006
Periodical:South African Journal of Economics
Volume:74
Issue:1
Pages:137-149
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:academic achievement
economics education
External link:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1813-6982.2006.00054.x/pdf
Abstract:This paper uses ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis to examine the effect of student characteristics on performance in introductory microeconomics at five universities in South Africa. It presents the results of recent research on the contribution of the following student inputs to achievement in economics: mathematical and verbal ability, gender, race, age, past exposure to high school economics, and effort devoted to studying. At the beginning of the second semester in 2003, instructors distributed a questionnaire to students who were enrolled full-time in a one-semester introductory macroeconomics course. No consistent race effects were found, but Indian students performed significantly worse than whites at historically white universities. Male students outperformed females in general. Older students did better at the historically white institutions only. At one university, black students who speak English as their home language outperformed those who are non-English speakers. Students who devoted more time to study outside formal classes did better in general. Greater verbal and mathematical ability had large and significant positive effects on student achievement. The paper concludes with brief recommendations regarding tertiary economics education in South Africa. Bibliogr., notes, sum. [Journal abstract, edited]
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