Poster

[1Z111] Analysis of Socio-Ethnic Educational Profile on Primary Students' Academic Outcomes in Myanmar

*Htet Myet AUNG¹ (1. Kobe University)

Keywords:Academic Outcomes , Myanmar, Socio-Ethnic, Primary Students, SEA-PLM

Myanmar, a multi-ethnic country with a diverse linguistic landscape, faces significant challenges in its education system. While the majority of the population speaks Burmese, various ethnic groups use their own languages. Despite a primary net enrollment rate of over 97%, nearly 90% of Grade 5 students in Myanmar have not attained minimum proficiency levels in reading and mathematics. Additionally, almost half of Grade 2 and 3 children are unable to answer a single reading comprehension question. This alarming trend highlights the need to explore the underlying causes of poor academic performance and the disparities between ethnic groups. Addressing these issues is critical for fostering social cohesion between the Burmese majority and ethnic minorities. Therefore, this study seeks to answer the question: How does the socio-ethnic educational profile influence primary students’ academic outcomes in Myanmar?To address this research question, the study utilizes data from the South East Asian Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) 2019, a high-quality learning assessment conducted among Grade 5 students in six Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar. The study employs a Multilevel Linear Model approach to examine the influence of the socio-ethnic educational profile on academic outcomes in Myanmar. The findings reveal that students from non-Burmese ethnic groups are significantly disadvantaged in reading, writing, and mathematics compared to Burmese-speaking students. Additionally, significant gender disparities were observed in academic outcomes. Students who experienced grade repetition at any level also performed worse academically compared to their peers. Overall, this study contributes to the broader discussion on educational disparities and provides insights for policy considerations aimed at enhancing the quality of education in Myanmar.