Promoting School Engagement: Attitudes Toward School Among American and Japanese Youth

• NCJ Number: 232419
• Journal: Journal of School Violence Volume: 9 Issue: 4 Dated: October-December, 2010 Pages: 392-406
• Author(s): Douglas C. Smith; Ayako Ito; John Gruenewald; Hsiu-Ling Yeh
• Date Published: October 2010
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated the differences between American and Japanese students' attitudes towards schools, and explored the factors that shaped these differences.

Abstract

Students from the United States and Japan were surveyed with regard to their levels of satisfaction with school and factors that might facilitate or impede school satisfaction. Results indicated that females and younger students from both countries expressed greater satisfaction with school, with overall satisfaction declining in a linear fashion according to age in the Japanese sample. Among U.S. students, school satisfaction declined significantly in middle school but rebounded, to some extent, in later grades. For both samples, a positive school climate featuring positive peer relationships, high levels of nurturance and support, and opportunities for autonomy predicted school satisfaction. Results of the study are discussed in terms of implications for enhancing motivation and engagement among students from various cultural backgrounds. Tables and references (Published Abstract)