Patriotism among Secondary School Students and Its Relationship with their Interests towards Learning History

In this modern era, students are found to be lacking in their sprit of patriotism. This paper is based on a descriptive study using questionnaires to collect the data. The objective of the study is to identify patriotism among form four students (16 years old) according to gender, race and subject streams. The study also aims to determine the relationship between patriotism and students’ interests towards learning history. The sample of the study consists of 120 students who were chosen randomly from two secondary schools in Penang (40 Malays, 40 Chinese and 40 Indians). The questionnaires using 4 Likert scales consists of 40 items (30 items were on patriotism and 10 items were on students’ interest towards learning history) were distributed to students. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed using Independent Samples t- test, one way ANOVA and Pearson correlation. Findings indicated that there was no significant difference in students’ mean score for patriotism according to gender and subject streams. This study revealed that the Malay students’ mean score for patriotism was significantly higher compared with the Chinese and Indian students. In addition, the findings also showed that there was a significant correlation between the students’ mean score for patriotism and their interests towards learning History. These findings have strong theoretical, pedagogical and practical implications. In terms of theoretical implication the findings support constitutional patriotism by Muller. In terms of practical implications teachers should employ the right strategies and use effective teaching materials to enhance students’ interest and understanding of History which will also help to enhance their level of patriotism. In terms of practical implication Ministry of Education, Teachers Training Division and other stake holders should find ways to unite young generation by bridging their gap in patriotism.