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Changes in self-concepts and sociometric
status of fifth and sixth grade children
as a result of two different school curricula.
Davidson, M.
Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University
of California, Berkeley, 1965.
Purpose:
Determine the effects of two different camp
curricula on self-concept and sociometric
status of fifth and sixth grade children.
Sample:
60 fifth and sixth grade children, average
age 11.5 years.
Method/Instruments:
Camp Program: 8-day school camp. Camp 1
(30 children) - labeled the "adult-centered"
camp. Program characterized by fixed schedules,
inflexible programming, constrictive adult
guidance, minimum of group interaction.
Camp 2 (30 children) - labeled the "child-centered"
camp. Program characterized by encouragement
of individual initiative, group interaction,
self-government, flexible programming, and
minimum of adult interference.
Instruments:
- Self-Concept Checklist (Beker)
- Classroom Social Distance Scale (Cunningham)
- Camp Evaluations by campers, counselors,
and head teachers.
- Observer ratings for social climate:
democratic leadership, leadership's involvement
with campers, camper involvement, group
climate.
- Group Process Form - filled out by counselors
at the end of each day.
Design: pre-test/post-test with follow-up.
Tests were given one week prior to camp,
on the last day of camp, and 16 weeks after
camp.
Data Analysis:
- McNemar formula to analyze for the significance
of changes between pre- and post-tests.
- Chi-Square test for two independent
samples to analyze for differences between
the camps.
Results:
- Significantly greater positive self-concept
and peer relationship changes than negative
shifts. The researcher concluded that
school camping does produce positive changes
in the self-concepts and social relationships
of elementary school children.
- Camper growth in self-concept did not
vary significantly between the two camps.
- Children responded favorably to the
more structured experience of camp 1.
- Children in the more highly structured
camp program showed more positive improvement
on a greater number of items on the self-concept
scale.
- More positive gains in social relationships
in the child-centered camp program.
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