Self-Concept, Self-Esteem, and Scholastic Performance among General and Vocational Students at the Higher Secondary Level in Selected Schools of Kolkata

Abstract

Self related psychological perceptions include self -concept and self- esteem have an impact on students' behavior and academic performance. Aim: This study aims to compare the Self- concept, self- esteem and scholastic performance among Higher Secondary level general and vocational students in selected schools of Kolkata. Methods: Comparative survey research was adopted and 230 higher secondary level school students (115 general students+115 vocational students) selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using semi structured demographic proforma, Dr Raj Kumar Saraswat’s self-concept scale, Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale and academic performance scale of Christopher M.C Gregory et.al. Result: The study findings revealed that Higher Secondary level vocational students had 36% high self-concept, 58% normal self-esteem and 25% excellence scholastic performance whereas Higher secondary level general students had 23% high self-concept, 54% normal self-esteem and 14% excellent scholastic performance. Result showed that there was statistically significant association between self-concept of higher secondary level vocational students with their father’s educational status, occupation of mother, occupation of father and monthly family income at 0.05 level of significance. Findings also reveal that higher secondary level vocational students had statistically significant high self- esteem and scholastic performance than higher secondary level general students at 0.05 level of significance. Conclusion: The current study concludes that vocational education helps to enhance self esteem and scholastic performance among higher secondary level students.