https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19859 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:36:39 GMT 2026-04-20T17:36:39Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/20054 Title: Malta Review of Educational Research [Editorial] Abstract: Short editorial talking about the return of the Malta Review of Educational Research journal and how it will be published in the future, with the aim of attracting specialised readers. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/20054 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19906 Title: Sex differences and variability in phonological sensitivity among primary school children Authors: Martinelli, Victor Abstract: Sex differences in phonological sensitivity and awareness were assessed using well-established linguistic measures in translation in a two-year longitudinal study on a sample of 136 children during their first two years at school. Girls obtained significantly higher means on a number of measures of phonological sensitivity but not on tests of ability (Coloured Progressive Matrices) (Cohen’s d with Hedges adjustment for sample size = .18). The results suggest that girls possess superior phonological skills on entry to school at age 5 years, are better able to utilise their literacy learning experiences to bring them to bear on phonological awareness tasks, and have a lower variance ratio than boys do. There is some support in this study for the notion that girls have somewhat better developed phonological loop memory skills than boys do. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19906 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19903 Title: Career decision-making skills of primary education students in Greece : planning of career guidance activities throughout the curriculum Authors: Sidiropoulou-Dimakakou, Despina; Argyropoulou, Katerina; Drosos, Nikos Abstract: The purpose of this study was to construct a theoretically driven and psychometrically sound career decision making skills questionnaire to measure the dimensions that contribute to career decision-making of 6th grade primary education students. Principal components analyses indicated the presence of three empirically derived components that contribute to career decision making of primary education students and call for demands to develop educational activities throughout the curriculum. These career guidance activities have three main goals: (a) investigation of the world of work in relation with students’ self awareness, (b) development of simple strategies of decision making and problem solving, (c) awareness of the relationships among variables such as personal characteristics, school attendance, and life preparation. These activities can be used in school settings and have a strong effect on students’ understanding of how choices and planning affect their future. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19903 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19902 Title: Why do students opt not to sit for SEC examinations at the end of their compulsory education? Authors: Ali, Maria; Farrugia, Josette Abstract: In Malta, the number of female students registering for Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) examinations at the end of their compulsory schooling consistently outnumbers that of male students, a higher percentage of female students register for Matriculation Certificate Examinations and acquire the Matriculation Certificate and more female students than male students start University courses and eventually graduate per academic year. Statistics available show relatively low numbers of students, especially male students engaging in further education and this led the Gender Issues Committee of the University of Malta to ask: why do some students opt not to participate in further education but to drop out of the system at the earliest opportunity? This prompted the Gender Issues Committee to embark on research attempting to answer this question. The study carried out with school guidance teachers and students who opted not to sit for any SEC examinations also sought to determine whether there were any differences between reasons given by boys and those given by girls among other things. The results show that students who do not sit for any SEC examinations come mainly from Area Secondary Schools and the main reasons given were that the examinations are too difficult for them; that they do not like school; that they wished to stop studying; and that these students wanted seek employment. The dire necessity for higher levels of certification and the need for vocational courses at compulsory school level were among the conclusions reached through this study. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/19902 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z