Relationship Between Attitudes Toward School and Academic Achievement of Junior High School Students

Author

Trevor E. Sewell

Date of Award

4-1968

Degree Type

Master's Essay - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Peter M. Collins

Second Advisor

John Ivanoff

Abstract

"The greatness of a nation may be manifested in many ways - in its purposes, its courage, its moral responsibility, its cultural and scientific eminence, the tenor of its daily life. But ultimately the source of its greatness is in the individuals who constitute the living substance of the nation." This statement is the essence of the social and political philosophy that has generated a profound concern for the realization of individual potentialities. The devotion and enthusiasm with which educators affirm their commitment to the pursuit of academic excellence is a reflection of their adherence to the principle that man must develop his potentials to the fullest to take his rightful place in a free society. This commitment to human excellence has resulted in an increased concern with the factors contributing to academic achievement. Psychologists, sociologists and educators, concerned with the education of youth, have asserted numerous speculations, not all of which can be empirically validated, for students' failures. It is frequently expressed, often with dogmatic assurance, that Johnny cannot read because of his social class influence, inferior schools, and poor teachers. The tendency to account for low academic achievement in terms of environmentally determined circumstances is indicated by the wide acceptance of sophisticated terms such as "culturally deprived" and "socially disadvantaged." Consequently, the individual's own attitudes toward the value of education and its possible contribution to academic achievement, defined as the degree of attainment of high grades, have been deemphasized.

Comments

A Research Paper Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the Department of Education, Marquette University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Education, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Recommended Citation

Sewell, Trevor E., "Relationship Between Attitudes Toward School and Academic Achievement of Junior High School Students" (1968). Master's Essays (1922 - ). 2859.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/essays/2859