COGNITIVE CORRELATES OF STUDENTS’ INTEREST IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND MATHEMATICS (STM)-BASED CAREERS
Prof. Loretta Ngozi Nworgu
Department of science Education,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Mrs. Eucharia Chekwube Ogbonna*
Department of science Education,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Abstract
The study investigated how Students’ achievements in science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) and Mathematics relate with their Interest in STM-Based Careers. Four research questions and four null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted co-relational design. The population of the study was 4859 SS1 students from 47 government secondary schools in Obollo Education zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. Proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain a sample size of 710 comprising 380 males and 330 females. Data were collected using STM-based Career Interest inventory (SCAII) with an internal consistency estimate of 0.90 and students’ result in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics at internal Examination. Data collected were analysed using Pearson product moment correlation. Results revealed a significant correlation between students’ achievements in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, and interest in STM-based careers. Mathematics had the lowest correlation value. Educational implications of the findings and recommendations were also highlighted.
Keywords: Career; Interest; Mathematics; Science; Technology