A study of elementary students coming from varying socio-economic backgrounds in urban and rural areas of Trinidad and Tobago and the effect these backgrounds have on performance in the Eleven Pluss (11+) Examinations
Date
1973
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Abstract
This study sought to: 1) examine the early developments in education under British rule, 2) show how students from varying socio-economic backgrounds performed under the inherited system, 3) closely examine the effects of the educational system on the rural poor student, 4) make overall comparisons of the urban rich student and the rural poor student to determine their standing in educational achievement, 5) suggest implications for contemporary policy makers interested in alleviating any inconsistencies revealed. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 1,025 students from 11 primary schools representing the varying socio-economic backgrounds of students in Trinidad and Tobago. It was found that a great difference existed between primary school students coming from high socio-economic backgrounds and those of low socio-economic backgrounds. Those coming from high socio-economic backgrounds were a) more successful in national 11+ examinations, b) highly motivated, c) secured better places in the education system, and d) lived mostly in urban areas. Those from low socio-economic backgrounds a) performed poorly in national examinations, b) lacked motivation, c) did not secure equal treatment in the educational system, d) lived mostly in rural areas. The ratio of success as shown by those who passed the 11+ examination was 5 to 1 in favour of the urban student.
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sociology of education, elementary students, socio-economic backgrounds, Eleven Plus examinations