Factors relating to the educational aspirations and expectations of adolescents

Abstract

The present study is concerned with factors relating to adolescents' educational aspirations and expectations. In this context educational aspirations refer to the level of education a student believes he would like to achieve, while educational expectations refer to the level of education a student believes he probably will achieve. Aspirations and expectations involve the value a student places on educational attainment, and his beliefs regarding his academic ability and motivation, and may be seen as representing two components of his educational plans. Students' educational plans have been shown to be closely related to their subsequent educational and occupational attainments. Sewell, W.H. Haller, A.O. & Ohlendorf, G.W. The educational and early occupational status attainment process: replication and revision. Am.Soc.Rev., 1970,35,1014-1029. The attainment of a level of education that is consistent with an individual's ability is important for both the personal development of the individual, Newsom, J. Half our future: A Report of the Central Advisory Council for Education (England). London: H.M.S.O., 1963. and for the community, which needs more skilled workers to fill existing positions and a 'generally better educated and intelligently adaptable labour force to meet new demands'. Ibid., P.5. Therefore an understanding of factors that might influence students' educational plans is relevant for those involved in the education and counselling of young people.