School Identity of Secondary Technical Schools Students and University Students

Abstract

The study describes the development of school identity among young people, it focuses on its two main processes, namely the exploration of the study and commitment to study. The research goal of the study was to determine the role of the type of the school and subjective perception of the study in these processes. 194 university students and 116 students of secondary technical schools with craft specialisation between 18 and 21 years of age filled in the questionnaire of school identity and answered questions about the attitude to their study. Analysis of covariance showed that university students, compared to the students of secondary technical schools with craft specialisation, are characterised by a greater degree of exploration of the study. Subjectively perceived career relevance of the study and preference of the study significantly influenced the degree of commitment to study. The highest degree of commitment to study was reached by those students, who perceived their study as a direct part of preparation for their future career, and students, who studied the field they have always wanted to study. The results are discussed considering the theoretical basis of the study and its possible practical impact.