The Impact of School Infrastructure on Student Academic Performance in Sarawak, Malaysia: A Review

Abstract

This review synthesizes findings on key indicators which lead to positive educational outcomes in upgraded school facilities in Sarawak, Malaysia. It aspires to develop a feasible evaluative framework trying to fill the gap in the literature concerning the impact of physical school environments on educational attainment, as well as how we currently measure that impact. In this respect, the review aims to systemize the information on the nexus between educational infrastructure and achievement, establishing evaluative framework parameters, key performance indicators, contrasting assessment techniques, and addressing the particularities of Sarawak, Malaysia. This review incorporated various quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches and designed studies in Malaysia and other comparable developing contexts, particularly focusing on the impact of school facilities on educational outcomes, the role of the socioeconomic environment, and different administrative school management theories. There is a significant positive relationship between the upgraded physical facilities in school and the educational outcomes, with the mediating factors including student motivation and student satisfaction. This review also illustrates the comprehensive approaches which integrate the physical, environmental, and pedagogical elements with managerial frameworks. Most importantly, this study underscores the importance of customizing such frameworks in tune with the socioeconomic and cultural realities of the locality. Cross-sectional study designs, variable validation of frameworks, and the underrepresentation of psychosocial elements are some limitations to consider. By integrating the findings, the review illustrates the multifaceted nature of the relationship between infrastructure and educational outcomes and the importance of strategic planning and involvement of stakeholders. The review thus contributes to developing a practically applicable, context-sensitive framework for evaluating educational outcomes post-infrastructure changes. For Sarawak and comparable settings, this has considerable implications for policy, school administration, and focused actions.