Attitudes towards PSD (personal and social development) among form two students attending four Junior Lyceum schools

Abstract

The main focus of this study is on the attitudes and perceptions of form two students attending four Junior Lyceum schools towards the subject of PSD. The research tools employed in this study were questionnaires and interviews. Students' perceptions and attitudes were gauged through the administration of a questionnaire among form two students attending four Junior Lyceum schools. This research also analysed the differences and similarities of the content taught to the students according to their gender by conducting various interviews. Interviews were also used to review the historical developments of the subject of PSD in Malta and eventually the data gathered was presented in the form of a narrative. The data analysis presents the general perceptions and attitudes of form two students towards PSD and identifies the differences and similarities in perceptions and attitudes of form two students towards PSD across gender. Finally, after analysing this data and discussing it, the perceptions and attitudes of form two students in general and according to gender are presented. After discussing the analysed results it was indicated that although students have a positive attitude towards PSD, boys have a more positive attitude than girls towards PSD. The content taught to form two students is the same, with some minimal differences in the way it is taught according to gender. Results indicated that boys and girls have similar needs but they also have different needs.