Your search found 935 results.

Descriptors:
High Schools; Asian Culture; Learning Motivation; Foreign Countries; Comparative Analysis; Test Anxiety; High School Students; Epistemology; Student Attitudes; Science Instruction; Correlation; Cross Cultural Studies; Role; Statistical Analysis

Abstract:
This study explored the differences in high school students' scientific epistemological beliefs (SEBs), motivation in learning science (MLS), and the different relationships between them in Taiwan and China. 310 Taiwanese and 302 Chinese high school students' SEBs and MLS were assessed quantitatively. Taiwanese students generally were more prone to believe that scientific reality is invented, the development of scientific knowledge is culture-dependent, and scientific knowledge is always changing and its status is tentative than the Chinese students were. Yet, the Taiwanese students perceived higher test anxiety in science than the Chinese students did. Moreover, Chinese students who have a stronger belief that science knowledge is changing and tentative are more likely to perceive themselves as having higher test anxiety in science. The results suggest that the role of culture might have an impact on students' SEBs and their MLS. (Contains 5 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Grades (Scholastic); School Holding Power; Intervention; Measures (Individuals); Control Groups; Statistical Significance; Test Anxiety; Teaching Methods; Conditioning; Effect Size; College Freshmen; High Schools; Outcomes of Education

Abstract:
This study was undertaken to replicate prior research in which a brief counter-conditioning and confidence training program was found to reduce anxiety and raise test scores. First-semester college students were screened with the Westside Test Anxiety Scale, and the 25 identified as having high or moderately-high anxiety were randomly divided into Intervention and Control groups. The Intervention students reviewed the procedure twice, while the controls received an information packet on managing anxiety. The anxiety scale was administered again the week before finals. The Intervention students showed a substantial drop in test anxiety, compared to the Controls (1.7 SD treatment effect size). Changes in the Westside scale correlated with final grades (r= -0.40) providing further confirmation that the scale measures an impairment. Intervention students scored an average 0.40 grade points above the Controls, or 8.7 percentile points, and intervention group grades adjusted for student high school grades was just short of statistical significance (p less than 0.06). The obtained grade gain is only slightly below prior findings, and further supports the benefits of the procedure. Implications for student retention were noted. (Contains 8 endnotes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

 ERIC Full Text (83K)

Descriptors:
High Stakes Tests; School Effectiveness; Intervention; Behavior Modification; Therapy; Secondary School Students; Priming; Cognitive Restructuring; Expertise; School Psychologists; Test Anxiety; Counselor Role; Biofeedback; Educational Research

Abstract:
High-stakes tests have played an increasingly important role in how student achievement and school effectiveness are measured. Test anxiety has risen with the use of tests in educational decision making. Students with high test anxiety perform poorly on tests when compared to students with low test anxiety. School psychologists can play an important role as experts both in tests and measurement and mental health in providing consultation and treatment for students with test anxiety. This article describes the results of a systematic literature review of the last 10 years of test-anxiety interventions. Results indicate that there are few studies that have examined test-anxiety interventions with elementary and secondary school students. However, techniques including biofeedback, behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, priming competency, and mixed approaches have demonstrated promising results. Suggestions are made for school psychologists for the delivery of evidenced-based test anxiety interventions. (Contains 1 table.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Academic Achievement; Factor Analysis; Measures (Individuals); Elementary Schools; English (Second Language); Second Language Learning; Test Anxiety; Elementary School Students; Predictor Variables; Age Differences; Gender Differences; Economic Status; Instructional Program Divisions; Questionnaires; Correlation

Abstract:
Many studies on test anxiety among adult language learners have been performed, while only a few studies have dealt with overall test anxiety. In addition, these studies do not specifically address test anxiety in foreign language learning among elementary school language learners. Thus, this study aims to investigate the level of test anxiety among young learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) and the relationship between test anxiety and factors such as gender, age, grade, achievement level, and economic background. The sample group for the study consisted of 477 EFL learners from five elementary schools. A background questionnaire and the Test Anxiety Scale (TAS) were used to collect data. The collected data were used to provide a descriptive and correlational analysis to address the research questions. The results show that young language learners have a low level of test anxiety and that the variables are significantly correlated with some items in the scale. Appendixes present: (1) Numbers, means and standard deviations of the TAS items; and (2) Factor analysis of the scale. An extended study summary written in Turkish is included. (Contains 5 tables.) [Support for this study was provided through Balikesir University's project, "Test Anxiety among Primary School EFL Learners" (2008/43).] Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

 ERIC Full Text (797K)

Descriptors:
College Students; Computer Assisted Testing; Problem Solving; Physical Environment; Test Anxiety; Cognitive Processes; Personality; Attention; Context Effect; Testing; Educational Environment; Family Environment; Comparative Analysis

Abstract:
Online and on-demand tests are increasingly used in assessment. Although the main focus has been cheating and test security (e.g., Selwyn, 2008) the cross-setting equivalence of scores as a function of contrasting test conditions is also an issue that warrants attention. In this study, the impact of environmental and cognitive distractions, as well as personality, on performance on a computerized mathematical problem-solving test was examined by comparing results in a standardized, proctored (school) setting with a non-standardized, unproctored (home) setting. Science and engineering college students (N = 315) were randomly assigned to one of these two test settings and completed a mathematical reasoning test. As hypothesized, model-based analysis demonstrated that greater environmental and cognitive distractions were reported in the unproctored (home) setting, while performance levels were higher in the proctored (school) setting. Furthermore, the process by which these variables impact performance was found to differ between settings. Namely, a statistical comparison of multiple path models supported the hypothesis that cognitive distractions are primarily responsible for the impact of both test anxiety and self-regulation on test performance, although this effect is stronger in non-standardized setting. Implications of these findings for Web, home-based educational courses, and assessments are discussed. (Contains 1 figure and 2 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Action Research; Teacher Researchers; Test Anxiety; Elementary School Students; Middle School Students; Grade 5; Grade 6; Grade 7; Elementary School Science; Secondary School Science; Social Studies; Language Arts; Student Attitudes; Testing; Story Grammar; Teacher Surveys; Student Surveys; Parent Surveys; Test Wiseness; Intervention; Pretests Posttests

Abstract:
Throughout this action research project report, the teacher-researchers explored the problem of test anxiety among students. The purpose of this project was to alleviate test anxiety among students with various interventions in grades five through seven in the subject areas of social studies, science, and language arts. There were 66 student participants in this study which occurred between August 20, 2012 and December 21, 2012. Students exhibited behaviors to illustrate test anxiety such as sweating, tapping, and poor achievement. The three tools used to document further evidence of the problem of include a student survey, parent survey, and teacher survey. The student survey affirmed that students felt negatively about taking tests in school and were uncomfortable taking tests in certain subject areas. The parents of the above-mentioned students also noted they had witnessed their children experiencing such feelings when faced with a test in school. Additionally, the teachers surveyed expressed noticing behaviors of students that may be related to test anxiety such as tapping, refusal to work, and nervousness. The teacher-researchers implemented various interventions in order to address the problem area. These interventions included teaching test-taking strategies, collaborative testing, and differentiated tests. Students were taught how to best take a test by using strategies that included, but were not limited to highlighting important words in the question, eliminating wrong answers, and planning extended responses. Pretests were given at the start of each unit to show the teacher-researchers how much or little students knew about the topic. Through collaborative testing, students first took a test individually. The following day, students were put into groups based on their pre-determined knowledge of the subject or ability to illustrate a skill. In groups, students were able to revisit their test and work together in order to change or affirm their answers. These tests were also used to group students during collaborative testing as well as design differentiated tests. The teacher-researchers created three levels of tests per unit in order to best assess the students at their levels, but still demanded students to demonstrate what they had learned. By the end of the study, the teacher-researchers found that the students experienced a positive change in the way they viewed taking tests in school. More students reported feeling good or prepared for tests after being a part of the interventions. This information was especially pleasing because the students also stated that the way they prepared for tests did not change; thus confirming that the interventions implemented did help reduce the students' test anxiety. The following are appended: (1) Student Survey; (2) Parent Survey; (3) Teacher Survey; (4) Hands-On Experiments; (5) Revolutionary War Pre-Test; (6) Sequencing Activities; (7) Group Roles; (8) Story Elements Pre-Test; (9) Sequencing Post Tests; (10) Revolutionary War Test; (11) Story Elements Graphic Organizers; and (12) Story Elements Post Test. (Contains 12 tables and 24 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

 ERIC Full Text (7076K)

Descriptors:
Academic Education; Student Attitudes; Measures (Individuals); Parent Attitudes; Undergraduate Students; Parent Participation; Parent School Relationship; Test Anxiety; Role; Correlation; Regression (Statistics); Scores

Abstract:
The effects of perceived parental over-involvement on students' level of test anxiety were examined in two studies. In study 1, parental over-involvement scale was developed. The sample comprised 105 male and female undergraduate college students between the ages of 21 and 26. The scale contained two aspects of parental over-involvement: parental attitudes toward academic studies and parental involvement in academic studies. Students' self-reported attitudes toward academic studies were also included. In study 2, the effects of the three aspects on students' level of test anxiety were examined. The sample comprised 90 male and female undergraduate college students, between the ages of 21 and 26. Research hypotheses were that the two aspects of parental over-involvement and students' attitudes will positively correlate with students' test anxiety and that results will persist with high anxious students. Finally, an exploratory question was examined as to whether the two aspects of parental over-involvement will differ in their impact on test anxiety. As expected all three factors positively correlated with test anxiety; however, regression analysis indicated that only parental involvement was predicting text anxiety. Results for participants with high test anxiety partially supported research hypothesis as parental involvement correlated with test anxiety (TA) total score and with worry but not with emotionality. Findings are discussed as response to the exploratory question. Finally, although not hypothesized, academic education of parents was positively related to students' test anxiety. Results suggest that parental attitudes and behaviors are significant factors in college students' TA. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Academic Achievement; Females; Intelligence; Achievement Need; Self Efficacy; Science Education; Course Selection (Students); Test Anxiety; Gender Differences; Predictor Variables; Foreign Countries; High School Freshmen; Student Motivation; Self Concept

Abstract:
School success is closely linked to intelligence but also to non-cognitive factors such as achievement motivation. The present study examines which non-cognitive factors predict secondary school grades and looks at reasons why female students tend to outperform their male counterparts. A sample of 554 German freshman students provided measures of general intelligence, achievement motivation, science course choice, self-efficacy, self-perceived academic achievement, and test anxiety. Results show that achievement motivation, self-perceived academic achievement, and sex significantly contribute to the final secondary school success above intelligence. Females' advantage in final secondary school grades becomes even larger after controlling for general intelligence. This advantage can be explained by females' higher achievement motivation. Showing more compensatory effort as well as self-control and taking more pride in their own productivity helps females to outperform their male counterparts at secondary school. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Mathematics Achievement; Student Motivation; Mathematics Tests; Attribution Theory; Elementary School Students; Mathematics Teachers; Test Anxiety; Grade 4; Academic Failure; Self Concept; Teacher Attitudes; Role; Intervention; Foreign Countries

Abstract:
Based on Weiner's attributional theory of intrapersonal motivation, the mediating effect of attributions between teacher judgment and student motivation was examined. In two studies, 144 German and 272 Chinese fourth-grade elementary school students were tested on their mathematical achievement, causal ascriptions for success and failure, expectancy for success, self-concept, and test anxiety. Mathematics teachers were asked to estimate students' performances on the applied mathematics test. Discrepancies between teacher judgment and student performance led to groups of underestimated and overestimated students. One year later, Chinese students were retested on their mathematical achievement. Results show that the attributional pattern of underestimated students was maladaptive compared with overestimated students. Attributions mediated the effect of teacher judgment on students' expectancy for success, self-concept, test anxiety, and, in case of the Chinese sample, mathematics achievement of the next year. The results indicate the important role of student attributions as a function of teacher judgment and imply attribution retraining as a possible intervention. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website

Descriptors:
Foreign Countries; Web Based Instruction; Electronic Learning; Internet; Online Courses; Blended Learning; College Students; Correlation; Predictor Variables; Online Surveys; Student Surveys; Questionnaires; Multiple Regression Analysis; Test Anxiety; Self Efficacy; Student Attitudes; Self Management; Student Characteristics; Prior Learning; Learning Strategies; Study Skills; Student Motivation; Goal Orientation

Abstract:
This study identified five effective self-regulated learning (SRL), investigated the correlation of demographic information and SRL, and measured significant predictor of prior experiences on SRL. Eighty-eight Thai learners participated in the SRL survey, which was adapted from the MSLQ. The findings indicated that Intrinsic Goal and Self-Efficacy were correlated with Cognitive Strategy and Study Management, but Test Anxiety was not significantly related with any component. Multiple regressions indicated that Internet and Hybrid-course experiences were significant predictors of Study Management. The same results indicated that learners who had more Internet experience reported a significantly higher level of Self-Efficacy and Cognitive Strategy. (Contains 6 tables and 2 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

Related Items: Show Related Items

Full-Text Availability Options:

More Info:
Help | Tutorial Help Finding Full Text |  More Info:
Help Find in a Library |  Publisher's website