Why Relative Age Effect Matters: An Exploratory Study Of Grade 4 Pupils In Madagascar

Fafy I. RATSIMAHOLIZANANY, Mirisoa RAKOTOMALALA

Abstract


The Relative Age Effect refers to the potential influence of age differences among pupils belonging to the same school cohort. Although extensively investigated in many educational systems, it remains relatively underexplored in Madagascar. This exploratory study examines the possible relationship between age and academic performance among Grade 4 pupils and seeks to raise awareness of the educational relevance of relative age in Malagasy primary schools. The analysis was based on data collected from 70 Grade 4 pupils enrolled in 4 schools in Atananarivo Avaradrano. Pupils’ date of birth, age and academic performance were analyzed using Spearman and Kendall rank correlation coefficient, graphical representation and simple linear regression model. The results suggest a tendency for relatively younger pupils to be associated with more favorable academic performance categories than relatively older pupils.

Keywords


relative age effect, academic performance, school age, primary education, Madagascar, RAE

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v58.1.8403

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