ERIC Number: EJ1115689
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1557-5284
EISSN: N/A
Analysis of Factors Influencing Interest in STEM Career: Comparison between American and Turkish High School Students with High Ability
Bahar, Abdulkadir; Adiguzel, Tufan
Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research, v17 n3 p64-69 Jul-Sep 2016
The low number of students studying or applying for STEM subjects and workforce demand has been prioritized in almost all countries policies. This study intended to examine factors that influenced American and Turkish students to pursue a degree or career in STEM-related fields. Participants of the study were 86 high-ability students selected from two high schools in the United States (n = 39) and Turkey (n = 48). A five-part survey was used and its original version was administered to American participants while its translated version was conducted to Turkish students. Results revealed that "self-motivation" was found to be the most influential factor of STEM interest for American students while "mother" was for Turkish students. In addition, regarding primary reasons for interest in STEM career "self-motivation" was the most important reason for interest in STEM career for American students while "income of occupation" was the one for Turkish students. By stimulating needs for STEM fields, this study will help increase the awareness of the gap between growth in graduates and STEM-related vacancies. Academic institutions will potentially use findings of this study to revise their enrollment policies, with the aim of enhancing enrolment for STEM areas.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Comparative Education, High School Students, Student Interests, Science Interests, STEM Education, Occupational Aspiration, Gifted, Student Surveys, Likert Scales, Learning Motivation, Income, Influences, Career Choice, Science Careers
Institute for STEM Education and Research. P.O. Box 4001, Auburn, AL 36831. Tel: 334-844-3360; Web site: http://www.jstem.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Turkey; United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A