Thesis
Differences between Australian and Finnish school students' dispositions towards learning
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Master of Education by Research, University of the Sunshine Coast
2009
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00340
Abstract
This study arose from questions surrounding the performances of school students in Australia and Finland in international comparative studies and the factors that contribute to the differences between these two countries. Specifically, investigation into student dispositions towards learning in Australia and Finland was pursued. Although Finnish students have consistently taken the lead in international academic comparative studies, this project found that as a group their dispositions towards learning are not necessarily more positive than those belonging to Australian students. Using the extensive datasets from OECD's 2000, 2003 and 2006 PISA studies, this project selected items that were specific to student dispositions and conducted quantitative statistical analysis to unearth posited information regarding student dispositions and performance. Research results found that within each country, increasingly positive dispositions were related to improved performance. However, when student dispositions towards learning in Australia and Finland were compared, more positive dispositions did not always equate to higher performance. This project examined these differences and the disparities between the students' dispositions and performance levels to find the crucial importance of cultural capital in the home and school environments. Accordingly, suggestions for improving Australian student performance and recommendations for further research were made with strong reference to the need to raise cultural capital in Australia.
Details
- Title
- Differences between Australian and Finnish school students' dispositions towards learning
- Authors
- Alison Willis
- Contributors
- Bill Allen (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Master of Education by Research
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00340
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education - Legacy; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449650802621
- Output Type
- Thesis
- Research Statement
- false
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