What makes school a positive experience for 12 junior high school students?
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Date
2001
Authors
McFadzen, Kathryn
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2001
Abstract
This study examined the perceptions and needs of junior high school students considering the question, What makes school a positive experience for 12 junior high school students? Previous research indicates that many students view school negatively (Bibby & Posterski, 1992). This conclusion is an alarming statement considering the significant number of years students spend in school. Using student written responses and interviews, this study explored the peceptions of junior high school students in relation to school.
Qualitative research method was used as it allowed the researcher to collect and document rich data that helped to shed light on students' views of junior high school. Twelve students, 2 males and 2 females, from each of the three junior high grades (7,8, and 9) participated in the study. The students were asked to respond, in writing, to five prompts: 1) Junior high school is...2) What do you think can make junior high a positvie place to be? 3) What do you think can make junior high a negative place to be? 4) The best thing about my school is...5) The worst thing about my school is... . Those same students then met in grade level groups for an interview used to clarify and expand upon the themes that emerged in their written responses. The final data-gathering technique was for the students to reflect upon what the ideal school might look like. Overall, the results of this study indicate that students value relationships with both teachers and peers and wish to belong to the safe and student-centered community of school. The insights of junior high school students about their schooling experience will assist in the organization of programs designed to meet the needs of adolescents within an educational setting.
Description
vii, 154 leaves ; 28 cm.
Keywords
Junior high school students -- Alberta -- Attitudes , Junior high schools -- Alberta , Dissertations, Academic