Exploring a Gap Between Academic Performance and the General Abilities Test (GAT) and Achievement Test Results among Secondary Schoool Students in Riyadh

Abstract

This paper explores the reasons for the gap in academic performance and standardized test scores for secondary school students in Riyadh. To answer the research questions and explore the gap between the test results, both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used. Research conducted in the past shows that there are shortcomings in curriculum integration, initiation of teachers to modern methodologies, and the improvement of logical thinking skills, mainly for the students to master the standardized exams. Resolving these difficulties entails a holistic approach that includes, among others, updating the curriculum, training teachers, and allocating financial resources tailored to aid students' exam competencies. The findings reveal that there was no significant difference between male and female students' perceptions of test anxiety, language skills, versatility, and test strategy awareness. For students, challenges with exams are seen as major contributors to their overall poor performance, while according to teacher perspectives, inadequate educational programs from the schools and tests beyond the capabilities of learners are the main factors responsible for the gap. But even more important is the creation of a culture where the stakeholders (both students and non-students) support and collaborate to realize the success of students. Institutions of learning thus create a favorable environment where the students are made aware of the challenges and are thus able to develop skills and access resources to excel in general or academic classes as well as standardized tests. This helps in bridging the gap between academic performance and test scores hence improving performance among secondary school learners in Riyadh.