Goal orientations and metacognitive skills of normal technical and normal academic students on project work

In 2000, the Singapore Ministry of Education launched Project Work (PW) to encourage the application of knowledge across disciplines, and to develop thinking, communication, collaboration and metacognitive skills. This preliminary findings of a large scale study examines the role of goal orientations (achievement goals and social goals) in predicting metacognition and enjoyment in project work of Secondary Two Normal Technical (NT, less academically inclined students) and Normal Academic (NA) students. Both achievement goals and social goals are significant predictors of metacognition and enjoyment of PW. NA students adopt more mastery approach and performance avoidance goals than NT students whilst NT students tend to value more social approval from others. Implications of the findings will be discussed with practical suggestions to help teachers design successful PW for the less academically inclined students.