What do students in England think about school? This article examines the findings of educational research in England on the aspirations and expectations of young people themselves, and how well these are met through schooling. It focuses on the following issues: liking for school; attitudes towards schoolwork; disaffected pupils; attitudes…

The authors investigated how negotiating two cultural expectations may influence the career decision-making process of Chinese youth. In-depth interviews were conducted with 8 participants addressing issues of role models, career interests, and individuals with whom they discussed career concerns. Consensual Qualitative Research (C. E. Hill, B. J.…

The authors employ a unique longitudinal data set of British Columbia high school graduates that followed respondents 1, 5, and 10 years after graduation to examine the extent to which educational expectations change over time in relation to parental socioeconomic status and eventual postsecondary attainment. Using the method of correspondence…

Investigates consistent participation in extracurricular activities as a contributor to long-term educational success. Consistent extracurricular activity participation was associated with high educational status at young adulthood including college attendance. Educational status was, in turn, linked to reciprocal positive changes between…

Recent research shows that U.S. 15-year-olds are behind their international counterparts in problem solving and mathematics literacy, ranking 24th of 29 nations (Lemke et al. 2004). Therefore, a key concern among policymakers and educators is improving the quantitative and analytical skills of American youth, who face job prospects in an economy…

Researchers exploring aspirations of youth generally examine variables such as sex, community size, place of residence, race socioeconomic status, effect of time (age), or a combination of these. This literature review focuses on studies which examine aspirations of rural, nonfarm youth in the United States. (Author/TES)

Discusses the status of women in Dutch higher education. Dutch attitudes towards women's roles and education, and the lack of mathematics training in girls' elementary and secondary curricula, hinder women who want to pursue higher education and professional careers. (AM)

Understanding the influences upon curriculum formation is an ongoing challenge for adult educators. This discussion describes one approach to curriculum analysis--the aspirational myth--based on the notion that instructors and learners co-construct an idealized identity representing the end point of learning. The aspirational myth is described…

This paper discusses two methodological issues regarding the analysis of longitudinal data using structural equation modeling that emerged during the reconsideration of the analysis of a recent study on the relationship between academic motivation and language achievement in elementary education [Stoel R.D., Peetsma, T.T.D. and Roeleveld, J.…

Examines the rationale and assumptions behind tuition-waiver legislation. An analysis of the literature suggested that older adults do have the ability to seek additional knowledge, but the desire to seek such knowledge through higher education is rare. Cost may not be the most critical barrier. (JAC)

Identified factors that would positively influence the decisions of individuals over sixty years of age to participate in cost-free continuing education programs. Females subjects (N=65) completed questionnaires, and indicated a high level of interest in taking geology, political science, world and art history, music and literature. (BH)

Examines prospectively the characteristics contributing to adolescent pregnancy in a pregnant and comparison group of adolescents. Adolescent pregnancy in Blacks was predicted by approval of delaying a family and pursuing a career, aspirations of working, and lower educational expectations. Higher educational wishes, lower educational…

This study compares explanatory factors related to the educational expectations of Japanese American and White college students. The research was conducted at a major West Coast state university located in an urban metropolitan area. Data were gathered through a questionnaire mailed to a sample of 200 Japanese Americans and 200 White full-time…

Research findings about the effects of participating in athletics on high school students are reported. Research indicates that participation slightly lowers the average male student's grades, while it increases his educational and career aspirations. Athletics also can help keep students out of trouble. (PP)

Reviews the research literature on factors affecting the educational and occupational aspirations of children and adolescents. Discusses the implications for school counselors along with specific recommendations for addressing the career development needs of elementary, middle school, and high school students. Presents recommendations for future…