Results, Analysis and Discussion

Pearson Correlation Analyses were conducted to determine correlations between age and factor scores. Age was found to significantly positively correlate with the score on Factor 2: Higher Academic Skills (r = .120, n = 1166, p < 0.001, two-tailed). Correlations with Factor 5: verbal Communication were also positive (r = .173, n = 1171, p < 0.001, two-tailed). These relationships would suggest that as student's age increases, they show higher confidence levels in areas designated as higher academic skills and verbal communication.

Students were then categorized as traditional age (aged 20 or younger, N = 1005) or mature age (aged 21 and over, N = 168). An independent t-test was undertaken to determine the likelihood that a difference between the two groups was due to chance (a significant result would indicate that the difference is unlikely to be due to chance). This test revealed that mature students (mean = 24.45, s.d. = 3.42) scored significantly higher on Factor 2: Higher Academic Skills than traditional age students (mean = 23.78, s.d. = 2.92) (t = -2.376, df = 210.191, p < 0.05). Mature students (mean = 14.62, s.d. = 2.50) also scored significantly higher on Factor 5: Verbal Communication than traditional age students (mean = 13.79, s.d. = 2.38) (t = -4.167, df = 1169, p < 0.001). However, traditional age students (mean = 19. 31, s.d = 4.00) scored significantly higher on Factor 3: IT (t = 3.494, df = 1164, p < 0.001) than mature students (mean = 18.13, s.d. = 4.38). This indicates that mature students display more confidence about their higher level academic skills and their verbal communication skills than traditional age students, but are less confident in IT-related areas. However, existing research indicates that actual skills are not deficient in mature students, this appears only to be the case in adults aged over 60 who are not in higher education (e.g. Hoskins & Hoof, 2005; Chmielewski, 1998; Morrell et, al., 2000).

Bandura (1977) suggests that although previous successful experience may inform greater long-term self-efficacy, if self-efficacy is low there will be correspondingly low levels of effort and performance. For example, self-efficacy relating to information technology skills varies significantly across populations; low assessment outcomes may be the result of low self-efficacy rather than actual potential ability. Similarly, the assessments that involve effective communication skills may be subject to similar influences.

A univariate ANOVA test was used to compare factor scores for different types of courses (Honors degree, Foundation degree, HND, CertHE) to determine whether the differences in factor scores between multiple groups were unlikely to have occurred by chance. The type of course had a significant effect on Factor 2 (Higher Academic Skills) scores (F(3, 1162) = 3.361, p < 0.05). Foundation degree students (mean = 25.21) scored significantly higher than Honors degree students (mean = 23.83) on Factor 2 (p < 0.05), indicating that students on foundation degrees are more confident than honors degree students on these skills. It had been anticipated that the reason for this relationship was because most students studying Foundation Degrees are mature entrants. However, an ANOVA demonstrated that the impact of course type on ILP scores did not interact with the impact of age on ILP scores. Further research is required to examine the factors that impact on levels of confidence and achievement for these particular students. Foundation Degree students generally have significant work and life experience which may have enabled them to develop their communication skills. However, there are other factors, which may impact on their levels of confidence in other areas and subsequently effect levels of achievement.

اخر الاخبار

اخبار العتبة العباسية المقدسة

متحف الكفيل يباشر صيانة منسوجات تراثية تابعة للعتبة العسكرية المقدسة

العتبة العباسية المقدسة تستذكر مظلومية الإمام الكاظم (عليه السلام) عبر مجلس عزاء

قسم العلاقات العامة يناقش مع منتدى شباب الإسكان إقامة مهرجان تكريم طالبات المدارس المرتديات العباءة في القادسية

سماحة السيد الصافي يدعو إلى توحيد الجهود في تحقيق التراث لضمان الرصانة والدقة وخدمة الساحة العلمية

المزيد

الآخبار الصحية

6 فواكة تساعدك على الشعور بتحسّن عند المرض

حفاظا على صحة العين.. هذا أفضل وقت لتناول فيتامين أ

الاستخدام اليومي لسماعات الأذن.. أخطر مما تتصور !

هل توقيت نشاطك اليومي يؤثر على صحة دماغك؟.. العلماء يجيبون

المزيد

الآخبار التكنلوجية

ابتكار ألماني قد يغيّر مستقبل صناعة البلاستيك

تحديثات وأرباح عبر المشاهدات.. ما الذي تخطط له "لينكد إن"؟

"الكوكايين الوردي".. مخدر جديد يثير قلق السلطات الأميركية

دراسة: تغيّرات في أسلوب القيادة قد تكشف مبكرا عن الخرف !

المزيد

مواضيع ذات صلة

Parents with Learning Disabilities CONCLUSION

PROVISION OF SUPPORT

CARING FOR CHILDREN

EUGENICS AND ETHICAL ISSUES

PARENTING

DISCRIMINATION AND DIVERSITY

THE HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Parents with Learning Disabilities

Legislation and Learning Disabilities CONCLUSION

LEGAL SAFEGUARDS

MENTAL CAPACITY ACT 2005

THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT 1998