A Comparative Study of the Educational Attitudes of Students Studying at the Secondary Level in Government and Private Schools

Abstract

The present study, titled “A Comparative Study of the Educational Attitudes of Students Studying at the Secondary Level in Government and Private Schools,” focuses on analyzing the educational attitudes of students at the secondary level. The secondary stage is considered a transitional phase in a student’s life, during which their thinking, personality, goal-setting, and educational outlook are shaped. The educational attitude developed at this stage significantly influences students’ academic achievement, discipline, self-motivation, and future educational and career decisions. The primary objective of this study is to compare the educational attitudes of male and female students studying in government and private secondary schools, and to determine whether any significant difference exists between the two groups. The study adopts the survey method for data collection. A total sample of 200 students (100 from government schools and 100 from private schools) from the Bijnor district was selected through random sampling, ensuring equal representation of both types of schools. The research tool used was a self-constructed educational attitude questionnaire developed by the researcher. This instrument assessed the cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects of students’ attitudes toward education, school, teachers, curriculum, examinations, and the learning process. The collected data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and critical ratio. Under the first hypothesis, the educational attitudes of male students were compared between government and private schools, revealing a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Similarly, under the second hypothesis, the analysis of female students also indicated a significant difference, as the obtained values exceeded the level of significance. The findings of the study clearly indicate that students (both boys and girls) studying in private schools at the secondary level exhibit more positive educational attitudes compared to their counterparts in government schools. This difference may be attributed to factors such as school environment, availability of resources, teaching methods, parental support, and a competitive atmosphere. The study provides valuable insights for improving the quality of education, ensuring equal opportunities, and guiding educational reforms. The conclusions drawn from this research can serve as a useful guide for policymakers, educators, and administrators to strengthen positive educational attitudes among students in government schools by enhancing the learning environment and implementing motivational strategies. Thus, the present study makes a meaningful contribution to attitude-related research in the field of secondary education.