In this article, Jane Winter describes a pilot project that uses a simple and engaging science activity to raise children's science capital, as well as increasing understanding of the potential of science to combat world problems. "Potatoes to plastics" is a Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC) project, aimed at key stage 2…

In 2015, the University of Southern California (USC) began a longitudinal, mixed-methods evaluation of the Thompson Scholars Learning Communities (TSLC), a comprehensive college transition program that provides students with multiple, integrated types of support. The evaluation as a whole examined whether, how, and why TSLC, as implemented at the…

Findings from recent studies suggest that students' pathways into mathematics-related careers begin as early as middle school when students are forming lasting self-perceptions of their academic abilities. Middle school is also a time when students begin making choices about future coursework in math, science, and technology that will have…

Entrepreneurship education has gained considerable interest in the last decade, both in the political and academic arenas, because it fosters innovation and plays a crucial role in developing the business landscape. However, instructors are faced with challenges related to creating successful learning objectives, suitable methodologies, and…

This interview-based qualitative study is concerned with the recruitment of secondary teachers in Malawi. This study shows a range of perspectives for pursuing a teacher training course: failure to follow a desired career, springboard to other careers, to upgrade, and teaching out of vocation. It shows that trainee teachers held a range of images…

The pathways of individuals into teaching exhibit several moments of choice that impact crucially on the final composition of the teaching workforce. Though the transition from training into teaching has frequently been studied, the self-selection into the institutions of teacher education has received little attention until now. Sorting into…

A study investigated the attitudes of British first-year polytechnic or university students (n=38) and employed graduates (n=80) in science and technology fields up to age 30, concerning their choice of science/technology or nonscience/technology fields. Results indicate why some students are deterred from science/technology. (Author/MSE)

A longitudinal study of students (n=70) entering Dartmouth Medical School (New Hampshire) in 1984 found attitudes toward family practice initially positive and improving. However, of 25 indicating early interest in family medicine, only 6 chose a related residency. Student concerns about the specialty's demands are seen as a possible factor.…

This paper focuses on a cohort of B.Ed. students' understandings about social difference and social justice as recorded in their professional journals in the first semester of third year. It shows that their reasons for choosing teaching as a career, reflections on their school experiences and discussions about future students are grounded in the…

Discusses the need to guide general education students in the former Soviet Union into blue collar occupations. Observes that, despite technological changes, manual laborers will continue to comprise a majority of the work force. Argues that manual laborers need to complete their schooling. Underscores the value of vocational training and guidance…

Examines the idea that introductory college courses should be magnets for recruiting and retaining science majors, not filters to discourage the "unfit." Discusses the possible relationship between the quality of instruction in college science and the number of students that drop out of science well into their college careers. (KR)

Data on 53 Jefferson Medical College (Pennsylvania) graduates specializing in emergency medicine (EM) found they had the highest senior year debt and expected the highest income among nonsurgeons, compared favorably in academic performance and examination scores and were very willing to treat low-income patients. Implications are discussed.…

A study evaluated the effects of a required ambulatory care clerkship on students' (n=776) knowledge of primary care medicine and subsequent career choices. Results suggest that exposure to outpatient medicine during medical school facilitates student knowledge of primary care medicine and influences career choice. (Author/MSE)

Presents insights into the depth and importance of religious issues for students in science classes. Among the findings are that 69% of surveyed private academy students interested in a science career indicated that personal faith could affect their career choice. (PR)

A study was conducted to provide educators with information about reasons why college bound high school students are or are not interested in teaching as a career. Data collected from responses to questionnaires completed by 4,349 students were analyzed. Implications discussed in this report include: (1) The number of students expressing interest…