Student Factors Impacting Science Achievement: A Multi-Level Structural Model

Identification of factors impacting academic achievement is common among TIMSS based studies. From among such factors Scio-Economic Status (SES), valuing Science, school psychological climate, and extracurricular activities, as elements of causal model were examined utilizing TIMSS 2007 data on 8th graders. Data analyses revealed that all four factors have a two level structure. Valuing Science, at both student and school levels, has the most effect on science achievement. The SES and Climate factors impact science valuing, according to this model. School psychological climate is second in terms of impact on achievement. Results show the significance of attitude, motivation, self-concept, and tendency towards further schooling in improving academic achievement.