Competition or Catastrophe: A Mixed Method Study on the Influence of Class Rank on Course Decisions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v10i4.2030Keywords:
Class rank, High School, Juniors, Texas, CompetitionAbstract
This study analyzed the extent to which class rank competition influences individual class selection by juniors at a high school in the Texas Hill Country and determined if its effects vary among students of different rankings. Students of both high and low rankings were interviewed to determine their perceptions towards, and behavior in response to academic competition. Subject responses generally correlated to one of three themes: class rank as an academic motivator, the influence of ranking on mental health, and student suggested improvements. The results suggested that GPA played a significant role in many student’s decisions concerning their courses, specifically in encouraging them to take AP, Dual Credit, and Honors classes- regardless of whether they were high or low ranking.
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