Options
Secondary one normal (technical) pupils’ attitudes towards social studies: managing experiences to meet expectations
Author
Seow, Sharon Mui Lin
Supervisor
Baildon, Mark
Abstract
For the government to nurture informed and responsible citizens, the process begins in the individual’s early years and more so in schools where teachers are the main medium of instruction. The Social Studies syllabus is one in which nation-building initiatives could be incorporated easily. Yet, for the nurturing process to be successful, its recipients must take interest before they can effectively receive the knowledge to act on them. The problem, however, lies in the disengagement of pupils in class which could cyclically bring about negative experiences and which further distances them from the government’s expectations.
This study aims to analyse the correlation between Secondary One Normal Technical pupils’ learning experiences in both Primary and Secondary School Social Studies lessons and their past and current attitude towards the subject, in order to understand how the expectations of both learners and educators can be met. Hence, information on what contributes to a positive learning experience, such as the use of Information Technology (IT) and other educational resources, is gathered through the pupils’ feedback.
The following are the research questions to the study:
1. Does positive learning experiences improve Secondary One Normal Technical pupils’ attitude towards Social Studies?
2. Do pupils find Social Studies relevant in their lives?
3. Does the use of educational games and IT resources increase pupils’ interest in Social Studies?
The understanding of the young learners’ attitude towards Social Studies is pertinent as it is a key variable which may impede or facilitate the pupils’ future learning experiences and also determine whether the expectations of government, as stated in the Ministry of Education’s Desired Outcomes of Education for school graduates listing, can realistically be met. Findings from this study would give educators an insight into the mentality of a knowledge-based IT-age pupil and how they can create positive learning experiences to nurture and engage learners in their classes. Curriculum planners and teachers would find this study relevant when developing pedagogies.
This study aims to analyse the correlation between Secondary One Normal Technical pupils’ learning experiences in both Primary and Secondary School Social Studies lessons and their past and current attitude towards the subject, in order to understand how the expectations of both learners and educators can be met. Hence, information on what contributes to a positive learning experience, such as the use of Information Technology (IT) and other educational resources, is gathered through the pupils’ feedback.
The following are the research questions to the study:
1. Does positive learning experiences improve Secondary One Normal Technical pupils’ attitude towards Social Studies?
2. Do pupils find Social Studies relevant in their lives?
3. Does the use of educational games and IT resources increase pupils’ interest in Social Studies?
The understanding of the young learners’ attitude towards Social Studies is pertinent as it is a key variable which may impede or facilitate the pupils’ future learning experiences and also determine whether the expectations of government, as stated in the Ministry of Education’s Desired Outcomes of Education for school graduates listing, can realistically be met. Findings from this study would give educators an insight into the mentality of a knowledge-based IT-age pupil and how they can create positive learning experiences to nurture and engage learners in their classes. Curriculum planners and teachers would find this study relevant when developing pedagogies.
Date Issued
2009
Call Number
H62.5.S55 Seo
Date Submitted
2009