Avoiding senioritis: student perceptions of engagement and efficacy during senior project.

Permanent URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20003012
Title:
Avoiding senioritis : student perceptions of engagement and efficacy during senior project
Creator:
Blanchard, Carla (Author)
Contributor:
Unger, Chris (Advisor)
Ewell, Sara (Committee member)
Bettencourt, Elizabeth (Committee member)
Publisher:
Boston, Massachusetts : Northeastern University, 2012
Date Accepted:
October 2012
Date Awarded:
December 2012
Type of resource:
Text
Genre:
Doctoral theses
Format:
electronic
Digital origin:
born digital
Abstract/Description:
The problem of senioritis can impact time on learning and may compromise a student's successful transition from high school to college or career. Researchers contend that students tend to be more motivated if they are given opportunities to engage in tasks that are relevant to their personal interests and goals. Senior project programs are designed to encourage independent and experiential learning by asking high school seniors to link their studies with a real-world application. This case study examines student perceptions of engagement and self-efficacy while participating in a senior project in a high school on the south shore of Boston, Massachusetts. The site was chosen because the high school had just completed its first senior capstone project at the time of the study. Students, teachers, and school administrators were asked to offer insights and opinions on their perceptions of student engagement and efficacy during the senior project experience. Data were collected using surveys, focus groups, and interviews. The results of this study suggests that curriculum designs such as a senior project, which include components that engage students in their learning experiences, are effective in avoiding the early onset of senioritis and may contribute to seniors' perceptions of self-efficacy in their future pursuits after high school.
Subjects and keywords:
Efficacy
Engagement
Relevance
Senioritis
Senior project
Educational Administration and Supervision
Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17760/d20003012
Permanent Link:
http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20003012
Use and reproduction:
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