A multilevel analysis of scientific literacy: the effects of students sex, students’ interest in learning science, and school characteristics
Date
2010-08-31T22:47:37Z
Authors
Huang, Chiung-I
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Abstract
This study investigates the effects of student sex, student’s interest in learning science and school characteristics – school type and school size- on 15-year-old scientific literacy in Canada through HLM. Using PISA data in 2006, the results showed 19% of the total variability in scientific literacy could be attributed to schools in Canada. There is a significant sex difference in scientific literacy in Canada at the student level. In addition, students’ interest in learning science is related to their scientific literacy significantly. Students who have a higher interest in learning the subjects of physics, chemistry, human biology, astronomy, and geology are predicted to achieve higher science scores than those students who have less interest in learning these subjects. In terms of the school characteristics variables, students who attend public schools have better scientific literacy scores. Also, students who go to bigger schools significantly outperform in scientific literacy.
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Keywords
Scientific literacy, Sex difference, Students' interest, School size, School type, HLM