Students happy with education: Study   

By The Holland Times Friday 09 April 2010, 10:04

Dutch students have a generally positive outlook toward their education. This is evident from research presented Thursday from the National Students Action Committee, LAKS.

According to a survey of 60,000 students, and 130 middle school students, researchers found that pupils have a generally positive outlook about about their education, giving studies an average score of 7.2. But, students reported that the content of classroom lessons could be better. "The teachers have a lot of substantive knowledge, but do not motivate the students," said LAKS vice-chairman to NOS news.

The longer they are in school, students grow increasingly negative about education. Younger students are the most positive, giving classes a score of 7.7. Schools in larger cities saw slightly lower rates than schools in other parts of the country. Also, students at larger schools are slightly more satisfied than those at a smaller school. 

LAKS found that vmbo students (6.6) are less happy with their education than vwo students (7.1). "There are many areas where they are satisfied with schooling, so it is not about vmbo education," said LAKS. "We think there is just much more to be done in vocational school and there is not much time."

It was the first time such a study was organized, but LAKS is planning to repeat it annually. The organization believes that the views of pupils should be more central to education policy.