The development of educational, moral and social attitudes of sixth formers in school in Cumbria, 1976-77

Abstract

This study attempts to consider, in the light of two surveys, the development of attitudes of Sixth Form pupils in certain selected schools in Cumbria over a specific period. The surveys contain questions relating to attitudes in respect of: Sixth Form studies, life and relationships within the Sixth Form; behaviour as manifest in attitudes to authority and the use of authority; values in school. Initially, the study examines attitude formation and change in general terms and in relation to the present research. A section of the work appraises the research into and the writing about the development of education in the Sixth Form; a further section establishes areas of common ground between the work on attitudes and the work concerned with Sixth Formers. Next, the results of each survey have been compiled and analysed. In each case, the main directions of the responses have been made clear, particular trends and developments being stressed where appropriate. The percentage of responses to each question has, in both cases, been recorded, the responses having been classified into broad groups or categories. A detailed examination has been made of the responses in each category with further records of the percentage of responses in relation to particular aspects. Tables of comparison of the categories of responses are included in the appendices. Patterns of vocabulary, areas of concern, common themes and the degree of involvement of respondents are all considered. Wherever appropriate, quotations from responses have been included. There follows a comparison between the first survey and the second survey which deals in every case with responses to questions in two parts. Part I in each comparison contains tables of percentage responses, listed according to the categories. Part II analyses the changes which appear to have occurred in the attitudes of the Sixth Formers contacted, always referring, where appropriate, to the number and kind of responses. The final part of the research offers conclusions and a five-part recommendation arising from the appraisal of the surveys.