Abstract:
The General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) (G.C.E O/L) examination is
the first most important public certificate examination in Sri Lanka. Most of the
candidates „fail. the G.C.E (O/L) examination due to their failure in Mathematics,
leaving them without any viable option for their future. Identification of factors
related to the results of Mathematics is essential to rectify this problem. This paper
presents some findings of a study carried out in 2008 to explore the factors related
to the results of Mathematics of the G.C.E (O/L) examination. The necessary data
were collected from a survey conducted in the Piliyandala Educational Zone. The
components of the syllabus that are most weighted in the marking scheme and the
components preferred by the students were identified. The external factors that are
associated with Mathematics marks were also identified through analysis of
variance and regression analysis. Findings are useful to those who design curricula
as well as to the teachers and parents.
