IDENTIFICATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN RURAL AREAS’ ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify the factors affecting the quality of education at elementary level in rural areas. The population included all the heads of public elementary schools of district Lodhran. The sample for the study was selected through a stratified random sampling with a sample of 176 head teachers. Self developed and validated survey questionnaire was used as a research tool to collect data from head teachers. Statistical tools such as Pearson correlation and confirmatory factor analysis was used to analyze the data. The results showed that physical facilities, cultural norms, quality teaching, parents’ unemployment/poverty, cultural traditions, cultural attitudes, Govt. policies,   health issues, teaching methods/techniques, parental attitude, infrastructure, vast and ventilated classrooms, festivals and events, financial constraints are the factors that affect quality education at elementary level. Moreover it was found that there is significant correlation among all identified factors that affect quality education at elementary level. Improving school Infrastructure, addressing financial constraints, and revising recruitment process are recommended to ensure quality education at elementary level.