Assessing the Multidimensionality of Students’ Learning Orientations: The Use of LO-COMPASS for the Well-being and Scholastic Success

Abstract

The twofold aim of the present study is to identify specific cluster-profiles of the learning orientations measured by «LO-COMPASS: Learning Orientation-Cognition Metacognition Participation Assessment»; and to create a psychometric rule to cluster the raw scores obtained by the student at the LO-COMPASS factorial dimensions into a specific cluster-profile. 183 middle-school students (91 males and 92 females) validly completed the original version of the LO-COMPASS Questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis and cluster analysis were conducted. LO-COMPASS measures four factors of students’ learning orientations. Furthermore, the instrument has been furnished with a psychometric rule to cluster the raw scores obtained by the student at the LO-COMPASS factorial dimensions into two profiles. The application of LO-COMPASS will allow educational psychologists and teachers to analyze middle-school students’ difficulties and problems, as well as strengths in their motivation to learn. The instrument will be useful at multiple levels: prevention, intervention, evaluation.