Psychological processes during primary-secondary school transition

Transcription

1 Psychological processes during primary-secondary school transition Academic and Professional Tutor -UCL & Senior EP -West Berkshire

2 Rationale for Study Adjust positively to change, Every Child Matters (DFES, 2003). Distinctive difference of EPs is in finding alternative explanations for common problems (Cameron, 2006). Transition found to have a negative impact on academic performance (Galton, 2000). Studies have failed to provide satisfactory explanations for downturn. Studies have not focused on psycho-social factors

3 Part of the Human Condition? I am human because I belong. I participate. I share. Desmond Tutu

4 Sense of Belonging and School Needs to be satisfied before other needs (Maslow, 1962). A sense of belonging has been found to have a positive influence on academic motivation and achievement (Goodenow, 1993). Gang-related problems increase when children do not have a sense of belonging to school (Burnett & Walz, 1994). Lack of a sense of belonging has associated with drug use and negative behaviour in school (Battistich & Hom, 1997).

5 Definition of Belonging The experience of personal involvement in a system or environment so that persons feel themselves to be an integral part of that system or environment. Dimensions include valued involvement and fit. Hagerty et al. (1992)

6 Perspective of Study Qualitative study. Focus on pupil experiences of transition and of a sense of belonging.

7 Design of Study Phase 1 Five focus groups in three primary schools. Pilot focus group conducted in school not in involved in the study. Took place towards the end of Year 6. Involved 30 pupils. Questions related to primary school experience, sense of belonging, views of secondary school. Derived 16 themes which were the basis for phase 2 of the study.

8 Design of Study Phase 2 Pilot interviews with 3 pupils. Individual semi-structured interviews with 10 selected pupils. Interviews conducted towards the end of the pupils first term in secondary school. Transcripts analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (Smith, 1995).

9 Key Findings Transition to secondary school viewed positively by pupils. Relationships with peers and teachers were viewed as important. Pupils reported that they experienced a stronger sense of belonging at secondary school than they had at primary school. Tutor groups viewed as key in supporting the development of a sense of belonging.

10 Key Findings Descriptions of a sense of belonging included proactive behaviour, positive attitude to learning and emotional well-being. Descriptions of a lack of a sense of belonging included withdrawn behaviour, a negative attitude to learning and negative emotions.

11 Implications for Schools Increase awareness of the importance of a sense of belonging in schools. Increase opportunities for positive interaction between pupils. Training for tutors and key staff. Develop practice in primary schools.

12 Implications for Educational Psychologists Increased involvement in transition programmes. Training for schools. Consideration during individual and group interventions. Further research.

13 Summary Sense of belonging appears to be a very relevant concept when considering transition from primary to secondary school. Pupils accounts vary from primary to secondary school but both contain elements of valued involvement and fit.

14 References Battistich, V., & Hom, A. (1997). The relationship between students sense of their community and their involvement in problem behaviors. American Journal of Public Health, 87, Burnett, G., & Walz, C. (1994). Gangs in the schools. New York: Clearinghouse on Urban Education Digest. Cameron, R. J., (2006). Educational Psychology: The distinctive contribution. Educational Psychology in Practice, 22 (4), Department for Education and Skills (DFES). (2003). Every child matters. London: The Stationery Office. Galton, M. (2000). School transfer and transition. International Journal of Educational Research, 33, Goodenow, C. (1993). The psychological sense of school membership among adolescent: Scale development and educational correlates. Psychology in the Schools, 30 (January), Hagarty, B.M.K., Sauer-Lynch, J., Patusky, K.L., Bouwsema, M., & Collier,P. (1992) Sense of belonging: A vital mental health concept. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 6 (3), Maslow, A. (1962). Toward a psychology of being. Princeton, NJ: Van Nostrand. Smith, J.A. (1995) Semi structured interviewing & qualitative analysis. In: Smith, J.A., Harre, R. & Van Langenhove, L. (Eds.) Rethinking Methods in Psychology (pp.9-26). London: Sage.