A STUDY TO DESCRIBE THE PERFORMANCE OF UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT OF ULU SELANGOR IN THE ACQUISITION OF BASIC ECONOMIC CONCEPTS

Siti Hadijah, Jalaludin (1994) A STUDY TO DESCRIBE THE PERFORMANCE OF UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT OF ULU SELANGOR IN THE ACQUISITION OF BASIC ECONOMIC CONCEPTS. Masters thesis, University Of Houston.

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Abstract

The problem of this study was: What is the performance of upper secondary school students in the district of Ulu Selangor in the acquisition Of Basic Economic concepts? The purpose of this study was to describe the performance of the samples selected in the acquisition of Basic Economic concepts. Specifically, this study was aimed in describing the students` performance in the acquisition of basic economic concepts according to the three levels of cognitive domain: (a) students' knowledge level on fundamental, microeconomic, macroeconomic and international economic concepts (b) students' comprehension level on fundamental, microeconomic, macroeconomic and international economic concepts and (c) students' application level on fundamental, microeconomic, macroeconomic and international economic concepts. In carrying out this study a survey method was employed. To describe the performance of upper secondary school students in the acquisition of economic concepts, the researcher had adapted a Test of Economic Knowledge (TEK), a paper and a pencil test. This instrument was translated to the National Language. This was to facilitate the subjects in their responses since English Language is a second language in Malaysia. This instrument was administered in three secondary schools in the district of Ulu Selangor. It involved a total of 230 upper secondary school students who took Basic Economics as their elective subject. Using a Descriptive Statistic analysis., percent correct and overall mean, the data gathered from the respondents were analyzed and reported. The findings of the study are: (a) students' performance in the fundamental economic concepts according to the knowledge, comprehension and application level ranged between average to above average-, overall mean was between 51-65; (b) students' performance in the microeconomic concepts ranged between below average to average level; overall mean was between 44-57; (c) students' performance in macroeconomic concepts also ranged between below average to average level; overall mean was ranged between 45-59; (d) students' performance in the international economic concepts ranged between average to above average level; overall mean ranged between 50-70; (e) on the whole, students' performance in the acquisition of basic economic concepts according to the three levels of cognitive domain was at an average level. The study also discussed implications on the teaching-learning process of basic economic concepts. Suggestions such as the study to be replicated at national level, in-service courses for economic teachers, more studies to determine effective teaching practices and to enhance economic knowledge among teachers have been recommended.

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