Relative influence of metacognitive and volitive variables in the academic achievement of baccalaureate students

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This investigation was carried out with a group of one hundred and thirteen baccalaurate students (fifty three men and sixty women, in one Secondary Education Institute in Zaragoza (Spain). It intends to analyse the relative influence that some metacognitive and volitive variables exert over the academic achievement. We also intended to know the reliability and internal consistence of the LASSI –Learning and Study Strategies Inventory- (Weinstein, 1987), and the AVSI (McCann & Turner, 2004) in Spanish samples (16-20 years old). Final achievement was found to bebetter in Sciences students, women, and students who did not repeat course. The characteristics of the students that manage correctlytheir academic study time have been identified, through an “ad hoc” questionnaire with four nominal categories. 12% of students managed their study time well and improved it; the 37% believed to manage it correctly but they need more time; and 51% do not manage their own study time well, and also need more time. The final achievement differences have been found between these four groups, with a higher GPA (grade point average) in the first and second groups. The motivation and test strategies variables are the best predictors of the final achievement. No differences were found between men and women in the GPA, but women scored higher in the Study Aids, Self-Testing, Self-Efficacy Enhancement, and total AVSI subscales.