Student attitudes; An experimental program for improvement

Includes bibliographical references (pages 90-92)Recently, numerous books have been written and much research has been conducted in the area of student attitudes. Much of the material appears to indicate that, often times, students can be faced with alienating and dehumanizing experiences in the public schools. As a result of these experiences, many students may acquire negative attitudes. Their self -concepts may frequently become weak and they may become increasingly unable to develop good rapport with their teachers and classmates. In general, many students seem to have a poor regard for their school and their education. Further examination of the documentation reveals that there appears to be a correlation between a student's attitude and his academic achievement. As educators' whose function it is to advance the academic achievement of students, one is drawn to the conclusion that it is vital to develop tools, techniques and programs of instruction in which there is concern for student attitudes. The purposes and general objectives of this project are to establish a unique "total" program of instruction, which provides a comfortable learning environment for the student, in which humanistic relationships can be explored. This program will utilize teaching methods and materials which are expressly designed to aid in the growth, improvement, and enrichment of student attitudes in four areas: a. The student self-concept. b. The student and peer relationships. c. The student and teacher relationships. d. The student and his attitude toward school. The hypothesis states that if this program is initiated over the period of one school year, then there will be significant attitudinal changes in the students enrolled in that program. These changes will result in an increased enjoyment of school, more positive inter-personal relationships with teachers and peers, and an improved self-concept. Ascertaining the validity of this hypothesis will be obtained through an analysis of the results of experimental testing procedures