Reasoning, Affectivity and School Performance at the end of Portuguese Elementary Education: Which Variables To Consider?

Abstract

Elementary education is a stage in which children and adolescents develop reasoning and affectivity, variables often associated with school performance. This study aims to analyze the relationship between reasoning, affectivity and school performance in Portuguese and Mathematics, considering sociodemographic, relational and academic characteristics. In a non-probabilistic sample of 226 ninth graders from three different Portuguese basic schools, we collected sociodemographic, relational and academic data, and applied instruments to assess reasoning and affectivity. The results show correlation between reasoning, affectivity, school performance, parental education and quality of relationships with parents, teachers and classmates. We found differences in reasoning, affectivity and school performance based on gender, retention history, liking for school and study activities; however, there was no verification of difference regarding variables such as having separated parents, having siblings or practicing leisure activities in spare time. These results should be considered as to develop interventions to promote academic success in students who are in their final year of elementary education.