Do student beliefs differ by ethnicity? Exploring self-perceptions

Abstract

Studies that have investigated student beliefs by ethnicity have shown differing perceptions for some ethnic groups on constructs such as self-regulated learning, attribution and perceptions of class climate. Moreover, the findings have differed from one cultural context to another. However, the exploration of student beliefs about several psycho-social variables by ethnicity does not appear to have been undertaken. Hence, the current study examined student self-concept, motivation, perceptions of class climate and self-expectations of four different ethnic groups: European, Maori, Pasifika and Asian students within the New Zealand context. Group differences were found for some variables. Educational implications and directions for future research are presented and discussed.