Barriers and Enablers of Achievement in Brunei General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Psychology: Views of Trainee Psychology Teachers and Sixth Form Psychology Secondary School Students

Lawrence Mundia

Abstract


Psychology is a new and popular school subject in Brunei that challenges students. Being a difficult subject, this study investigated the perceived barriers to and enablers of achievement in Brunei General Certificate of Education Advanced Level psychology. The research used a descriptive survey design that collected quantitative data from  nine university psychology trainee teachers (seven females and two males) as well as qualitative data from 118 Year 13 psychology secondary school students (84 females and 34 males). Major findings from quantitative data were determined by significant mean scores (≥ 4.00, p< .05) and 95% confidence intervals. However, important findings from qualitative data were identified by the use of categories, themes and excerpts.    Altogether, barriers to achievement included lack of clarity and lack of specificity in test items; difficulties in understanding examination questions; low skills in statistics; inadequate research skills; difficult research design items; and absence of educational interventions. Overall, enablers of achievement were: early identification of vulnerable students; effective teaching; appropriate study strategies; possessing higher-order skills; thinking critically; having positive self-concept and self-esteem; availability of suitable learning materials; motivation; help-seeking; receiving help; possessing good facility in English; and practicing answering questions. Participants’ suggested and desired educational interventions to improve achievement included the provision of guidelines on answering examination questions effectively; more discussion of revision questions during practice sessions; and the teaching of critical thinking and time management skills. These interventions appear to be feasible and achievable if both psychology teachers (pre-service and in-service) and psychology secondary school students are sensitized and upgraded on the identified barriers and enablers.  There was ample evidence suggesting that psychology secondary school students need to be counseled and guided on the use of effective learning and study strategies. Further large-scale research with interview probes was recommended to obtain more insights and solutions to the problem.

https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.18.12.23


Keywords


Pychology; pre-university; achievement; barriers; enablers; general certificate of education

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References


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