Determinants of academic performance among students in Malaysia’s higher educational institutions

Abstract

The academic performance of students in higher educational institutions is shaped by a variety of factors, both within and beyond the classroom. In Malaysia, where education is highly valued as a pathway to socioeconomic advancement, understanding the key drivers of student success is critical for improving educational outcomes. Among the many influences on academic performance, family support, group discussions, peer interactions, and course assessments stand out as particularly impactful. Family influence, including parental involvement and socio-economic factors, is identified as a key determinant of academic success, providing emotional and financial support that enhances student outcomes. Group discussions and peer interactions are shown to foster collaborative learning, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of course material, with positive peer influence further motivating academic achievement. Additionally, the design and implementation of course assessments significantly impact student motivation and learning approaches, serving as crucial indicators of academic performance. Therefore, this study aims to examine the influence of family support, group discussions, peer interactions, and course assessments on the academic performance of students in Malaysian higher educational institutions. Using a quantitative research methodology, data were collected from 448 students at Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA Kelantan Branch (UiTMCK) through structured questionnaires. Proportionate stratified random sampling was utilized and SmartPLS 3.2.1 was used to analyse the data for this study. As a result, peer and course assessments were found to be supportive, while family influence and group discussions did not show a significant impact on academic performance in Malaysia. Understanding how these influences converge provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers aiming to improve the quality of education and student outcomes in Malaysia’s higher educational institutions.