ERIC Number: EJ1220824
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Aug
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-0145
EISSN: N/A
Children's and Adolescents' Specific Interest in Science and Technology, Participation in Out-of-School Activities and Inclination to Become Scientists
Rochera, María José; Merino, Iris; Oller, Judith; Coll, César
Journal of Science Education and Technology, v28 n4 p399-413 Aug 2019
Recently, the literature has repeatedly reported an interesting decrease in science and technology (S&T) among youngsters, and a drop of students choosing professions related to these knowledge areas. This study pursued to assess the interest of primary and secondary pupils in specific fields of S&T and to relate this interest to their predisposition to engage in S&T-related out-of-school activities and their inclination to become scientists in the future. A questionnaire on S&T interests and attitudes was administered to a sample of 1336 pupils. Results show that, overall, the inclination to become scientists was low. However, we found a relationship between pupils' interest in areas of S&T and their predisposition to participate in out-of-school S&T activities, and also between their interest and their inclination to become scientists. Moreover, significant age- and sex-related differences concerning all these aspects were identified. We discuss the importance of acknowledging children's and adolescents' specific interest to promote their participation in S&T-related school activities and out-of-school activities. We also urge that information about scientific and technological careers be disseminated in schools in order to increase students' interest in these areas.
Descriptors: Elementary School Students, Secondary School Students, Science Interests, Science Careers, Occupational Aspiration, Career Choice, After School Programs, Scientists, Age Differences, Gender Differences, Student Participation, Science Activities
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A