How to Investigate the Goal Orientations of Students in Competence-based Pre-Vocational Secondary Education: Choosing the Right Instrument

Abstract

This study explores the psychometric properties of three instruments: a semi-structured interview, a questionnaire and a sorting task. The central question is which instrument is most suitable to investigate the goal orientations of students in competence-based pre-vocational secondary education. The questionnaire proved most accurate. The interview provided relevant supplementary information on the goals of the students and underlying motives. The sorting task appeared to be less suitable.

Keywords:

• learning
• motivation
• vocational education
• measurement

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Audrey Seezink for making the version of the goal orientations questionnaire she adapted together with Johan van der Sanden for PVSE students available for use in this study.