Educational Aspiration of Higher Secondary School Students: A Comparative Study Based on Certain Demographic Variables

Abstract

Educational aspiration is one of the crucial determinants of a person's success in life. It is influenced by a number of factors - intrinsic as well as extrinsic. The present study was an attempt to explore the level of educational aspiration among higher secondary school students in Kerala State. An Educational Aspiration Scale prepared and standardized by Josen and Afrin (2011) was administered to a sample of 300 students from various higher secondary schools. It was revealed that the higher secondary school students possess a moderate level of educational aspiration. It was also found that gender and domicile influence the level of educational aspiration. Female students possess a higher level of educational aspiration than that of their male counterparts. Similarly, urban students excel rural students with respect to educational aspiration. However, it was revealed that parental educational status does not influence educational aspiration of students. The findings of the study indicate the need of providing special attention to enhance the educational aspiration of male students and students from rural areas.