ERIC Number: ED315184
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1989-Oct-19
Pages: 13
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Survey of Interests and Opinions of Middle Grades Youngsters.
Sparapani, Ervin F.; Opalewski, David A.
Opinions of middle school students, called "transescents," were studied in an effort to provide feedback to adminstrators, parents, and teachers involved in program development in a school district with a K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 grade level configuration. Participants were 200 students from a school district in east central Michigan. A questionnaire was developed and administered to obtain information concerning transescents' physical, educational, social, and emotional needs. Findings revealed that females were more academically inclined than males. Both sexes seemed to enjoy physical education, with females' interest and participation declining considerably from fifth to eighth grade. Eating habits continuously changed, but the shift was more noticeable for females than males. A class in history and social studies was the least liked. Friendliness and understanding were qualities of favorite teachers. Having many good friends was considered important. Working in groups was favored. Parental influence declined while peer influence increased. The future was viewed positively. Teachers' role in non-academic areas diminished. Few subjects indicated that they sought advice or assistance from an adult significant other. Recommendations for educating transescents are offered. (RH)
Descriptors: Curriculum, Eating Habits, Elementary Education, Elementary School Students, Elementary School Teachers, Emotional Experience, Family Relationship, Instructional Program Divisions, Middle Schools, Physical Development, Physical Education, School Districts, School Organization, Social Behavior, Student Attitudes, Student Characteristics, Student Needs
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Michigan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A