"Do schools matter?" A study of behaviour which is a cause for concern in primary and secondary schools

McGrorry, Daniel J. (1995) "Do schools matter?" A study of behaviour which is a cause for concern in primary and secondary schools. MLitt(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This study is concerned with different types of pupil behaviour which are a cause concern in primary and secondary schools in Strathclyde Region. The frequency of each type of behaviour is established together with likely teacher response. Teacher opinion on the climate within their own school is also explored as is their opinion on general educational issues. The historical development of each of the main approaches to behaviour is discussed, together with the school systems associated with these and it is within this theoretical framework that the data is analysed. Information was gathered by questionnaire from a sample consisting of 5% of Strathclyde schools and the data analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The results of the study indicate that the type of behaviour which is most likely to cause concern to teachers is that which is described as being "manipulative" in nature. A detailed analysis of this type of pupil behaviour is carried out, and takes into consideration the teachers' age, gender and position within the school. The level of occurrence of such behaviour is established, and when viewed within the context of school size and social deprivation status, the teaching groups most likely to experience the behaviour are identified. This data was contrasted with teacher opinion on school ethos/climate and differing perspectives of male and female, promoted and unpromoted, and younger and older teachers were revealed. This study concludes with suggestions on school systems which could assist pupils and staff to develop an educational environment supportive for all.

• Item Type: Thesis (MLitt(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Keywords: Educational psychology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences
• Supervisor's Name: Wilkinson, Dr. J. Eric
• Date of Award: 1995
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1995-72448
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 24 May 2019 15:12
• Last Modified: 21 Jun 2022 13:33
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.72448
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/72448