Author: John G. Ainley

Publisher:

Published: 1990

Total Pages: 142

ISBN-13:

Children spend a significant part of their lives in primary school. The quality of that experience is important in itself and as the foundation for their future. Data were gathered from over 3000 students in 40 primary schools. Children were asked about the quality of their school life, and information was also obtained about their achievement in mathematics and reading comprehension. Overall, most students in Years 5 and 6 felt good about their lives in school, had good relations with their teachers, and felt a sense of social integration. These positive views were held regardless of social background or performance in mathematics and reading. Boys and girls performed equally well in mathematics, but girls scored better on reading comprehension tests. Differences did show up between schools and between classrooms in students' views of school life (especially in the areas of adventure in learning and teacher- student relations) and in achievement. The authors point to the need for a closer look atschools' practices and policies, and at their influence on the degree to which students become excited about their school work.