Metacognition as a Mediator of the Effect of Test Anxiety on a Surface Approach to Studying

This study investigated the role of metacognition as a mediator of the effect of test anxiety on a surface approach to studying. The following scales were completed by 109 undergraduate social sciences students: Approaches and Study Skills Inventories for Students (ASSIST), Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ), and Test Anxiety Scale (TAS). Positive and significant correlations were observed between test anxiety and a surface approach to studying, and between all five dimensions of metacognition and test anxiety. Positive and significant correlations were also found between four of the five dimensions of metacognition and a surface approach to studying. Structural equation modelling was used to test a mediational model in which test anxiety predicted metacognition which in turn predicted a surface approach to studying. The results supported the hypothesis that the effect of test anxiety on a surface approach to studying is entirely mediated by metacognition. The practical implications of these findings are outlined.     

Secondary school pupils' satisfaction with their ability grouping placements

There has been little research exploring pupils' satisfaction with their ability group placement. This article explores the extent to which pupils are happy with their placement, and the reasons they give for wanting to move to another class or set. The sample comprised over 5000 Year 9 pupils (aged 13–14 years) in 45 mixed secondary comprehensive schools in England. The schools represented three levels of ability grouping in the lower school (Years 7 to 9). Pupils responded to a questionnaire which explored their current set placement, their satisfaction with it, and their reasons for wanting to change. A substantial proportion of pupils expressed a wish to change set, most, but not all, in an upward direction, mainly because the level of work was inappropriate. The implications for ability grouping practices in schools are discussed.     

Self-theories of intelligence of engineering students

A questionnaire is developed to gauge the disposition of students towards either an incremental (malleable) or entity (fixed) view of intelligence. The relationships between this self-belief and views on group work/learning and creativity are also evaluated using the questionnaire. Attention is also given to any relationship which may exist between an intelligence self-belief and the general student receptivity to courses which address issues on personal and social awareness, i.e. tuition in psychology principles. The results of the study indicate that there is considerable variation in the self-beliefs of intelligence of the sample group considered, and that an incremental view of intelligence is more likely to lead to favourable views of the benefits of group (team) work and some psychological understanding, as well as a more optimistic view of, and nurture orientation towards, the creative potential in a science and engineering context. Thus, in terms of the transferable skills training of engineering students, the findings suggest that opportunities to re-address any fixed (limiting) self-beliefs may improve the efficacy of any subsequent skills training programme.     

Comparing the curriculum development process in special (MLD) schools: a systematic qualitative approach

ABSTRACT

The present paper describes a comparative study of ten special schools for pupils with moderate learning difficulties in England and Wales. Qualitative analysis of interview data and curriculum documentation collected from the schools provide a model of the curriculum process which is firmly grounded in the data. Comparisons across the categories of the model indicate strong differences between the schools in certain categories, e.g. use of objectives, specification of curriculum intention, monitoring of pupil progress and curriculum evaluation.