ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to examine middle school students’ active participation and tendency to help-seeking during learning activities according to the variables of gender and class, and to determine the relationship between their active participation and help-seeking behavior. The study was based on a descriptive design, and was conducted with 1240 middle school students, including 607 female and 633 male students, studying in the rural area of Sivas during the autumn semester of the 2013-2014 academic year. Study data was collected using the Engagement &Disaffection, Help Seeking in the Learning Process Scale. The obtained data was analyzed using the t test, the one-way analysis of variance and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Study results demonstrated that the active participation level of the students varied according to their grade, with later grades having lower active participation than earlier grades. According to the study results, sixth grade students more engaged to class, while eight grade students were less disaffected. Evaluation of middle school students’ level of active participation and help-seeking according to gender revealed a difference in favor of female students. Female students were found more engaged in class and to more help-seeking effectively compared with male students. Male students, on the other hand, were more disengaged to their classes and showed more superficial help-seeking behavior, meaning that they generally avoided asking for help. The students’ tendency to seek help also varied according to their grade. With regards to the tendency to help seeking, sixth grade students showed less superficial help-seeking behavior and avoidance of help seeking. There was a significant relationship between the students’ active participation and their tendency to seek help. Students who engage in class tended to instrumental help-seeking more effectively, while being disaffected with classes led to superficial help-seeking behavior, and thus to a generally tendency to avoid asking for help.