Contextual, Personal and Family Factors in Explaining Academic Achievement: A Multilevel Study

Abstract

Academic success and excellence in marks are not only due to the students’ intrinsic abilities or skills. A multitude of contextual variables is involved in the teaching and learning process. This study identifies and analyses the contextual variables that most significantly affect students’ academic performance. We used census data from the ESCALA tests and context questionnaires for the 2016/17 school year, both carried out by the Andalusian Agency for Educational Assessment. Hierarchical Linear Models were used in the data analysis, as they facilitate the control and description of contextual factors. In addition, differences in performance were studied according to the contextual variables that the family dimension encompasses. At all times, a contextualised cross-sectional perspective was considered, taking as a criterion the covariates with significance values lower than 0.01 in the multilevel models and contrast tests. Finally, a list of contextual variables contributing to the explanation of performance is presented. The socio-economic and cultural conditions of families, their expectations towards their children’s education, and their level of involvement in schools have a significant influence on the academic success of primary school students. Academic success is higher among students with families who play an active role and have positive expectations regarding learning.

Research on the impact of the socio-educational environment on the academic performance of college students: the mediating role of study motivation

“…Harmonious family relationships contribute to the cultivation of students' good learning behaviors, while parenting styles have a positive impact on students' self-efficacy (Chen et al, 2023). The environmental factors within the family also exert a considerable influence on academic achievements (Ortiz-de-Villate et al, 2021). This viewpoint has also been substantiated by scholars such as Otero et al (2021), who affirm that family control and support influence students' academic performance.…”

Advances and New Perspectives in Higher Education Quality

“…Harmonious family relationships contribute to the cultivation of students' good learning behaviors, while parenting styles have a positive impact on students' self-efficacy . The environmental factors within the family also exert a considerable influence on academic achievements (Ortiz-de-Villate et al, 2021). This viewpoint has also been substantiated by scholars such as Otero et al (2021), who affirm that family control and support influence students' academic performance.…”

La comunicación familia-centro educativo mediante las TIC

“…La participación de las familias en los centros educativos debe verse como un modo de vida, de forma que se ejerza diariamente y se asiente sobre un potente compromiso de la asunción de responsabilidades (Galián et al, 2018). Numerosas investigaciones sostienen que la participación de las familias en la educación es uno de los elementos básicos para el éxito escolar del alumnado, así como para su desarrollo social y personal (Boonk et al, 2018;Ortiz-de-Villate et al, 2021).…”