Geography in Maltese Junior Lyceums : attitudes and achievement

Abstract

Taking into consideration the strong linkage between teacher and taught, this study was undertaken from these two perspectives . A 40-item attitude test, comprising five subscales, was constructed from students' response about their general feelings towards Geography. After trial testing, the attitude test was administered to Form II, Form IV Geography (Compulsory) and Form IV Geography (Option) students in local Junior Lyceums. A measure of validity and reliability for the attitude test was obtained. By using various statistical tests, the sex, age and compulsory I option variables were investigated in relation to students' attitudes towards geography. The attitude - achievement relationship was also investigated. Besides, students were asked to indicate their preferences to a list of school subjects. The teachers' questionnaire investigated general and specific issues regarding the nature of geography and the teaching of geography.