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CHAPTER 1
Rationale
The K-12 Curriculum refers to the educational system which was recently being
introduced by the government to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and
skills, education development, employment and entrepreneurship. But from the
perspective of the adolescents, it is an additional burden since the families have to spend
extra money for additional two years.
For over a decade, there has been a call to address the need for more
mathematicians, engineers and, Math and Science teachers. In order for the Nation to
produce the next generation of inventors, creators, math and science teachers, the Nation
must commit to growing a large pool of students with knowledge of Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). That is why the Department of
Education is challenged to search for more students to take STEM courses.
Several recent studies have suggested the decline in STEM degree recipients is a
result of a decrease of student’s interest in STEM fields, inadequate proportion in Math
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and Science, and lack of incentives to pursue STEM courses. For example, the percentage
of high school students who took the ACT and reported interest in engineering has
dropped steadily from 7.6 % to 4.9%: the percentage of high school students who took
the ACT and were interested in majoring in computer and information sciences has also
dropped steadily from 4.9% to 2.9% (ACT, 2006).
There’s a need to enhance the quality of education especially with the concern of
math subject in our country to change the comparative disadvantage of our country with
regard to other countries. To improve the number of students in the field taking STEM is
to know their internal factors and external factors that influence them take the course.
This study aims to determine the influences on Senior High school students
‘career behavior towards STEM. This further explores the following: (1) factors
influencing the Senior High students’ preferences in taking STEM: a. internal, b.
external; (2) level of influencing: a. internal, b. external; (3) Policy recommendation for
proper career pathing.
3
Theoretical Framework
This study is based on Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), (Lent, Brown, &
Hackett, 1994) developed from the work of Bandura (1986) in social cognitive theory,
An individual’s self-efficacy is defined as a person’s confidence in his or her ability “to
organize and execute courses of action required to attain designated types of
performance”( Bandura, 1986, p.391).
Social Cognitive Career Theory and the concept of self-efficacy have been used
as a conceptual framework for several research studies, which have demonstrated that
self-efficacy in math, are related to STEM interest (Byars – Winston & Fouad, 2008;
Cordero, Porter, Israel, & Brown, 2010; Ferry, Fouad, & Smith, 2000).
Accompanying this quiet cognitive revolution has been an equally important trend
toward viewing people as active agents in, or shapers of, their career development. This
emphasis on personal agency (or self-direction) actually has deep roots in the study of
career behavior and the practice of career counseling (Borgen, 1991). In a sense, those
who study career behavior have been re-discovering what career counselors typically
accept as self-evident, that people help construct their own career outcomes; that their
beliefs (for example, about themselves, their environments, and possible career paths)
play key role in this process, that we are not merely beneficiaries (or victims) of
intrapsychic, temperamental, or situational forces and that behavior is often flexible and
susceptible to change efforts, Indeed, counselors’ faith in personal agency is reflected in
4
the very term career choice. And their emphasis on self-exploration and related activities
would be futile if career development were entirely determined by factors over which
clients have no control.
By the same token, councilors, theorists, and researchers are also well aware that
career development is not just a cognitive or a volitional enterprise and that there are
often potent (external and internal) barriers to choice, change, and growth. For instance,
social and economic conditions promote or inhibit particular career paths for particular
persons. Affective reactions influence rational thought processes. People differ in their
abilities and achievement histories. In short, a complex array of factors such as culture,
gender, genetic endowment, sociostructural considerations, and disability or health status
operate in tandem with people’s cognitions, affecting the nature and range of their career
possibilities.
.
5
Policy Recommendation
The Social Cognitive Career Theory by Lent, Brown, & Hackett states that career
interest are regulated by self-efficacy and an outcome expectation, which means people,
will form lasting interests in activities when they experience personal competency and
positive outcomes. On the contrary, a belief of low personal competency will lead people
to avoid activities. Perceived barriers such as those related to gender, ethnicity, age,
socioeconomic status, or family constraints may create negative outcome expectations,
even when people have had previous success in the given area
Teachers. This study would help the teachers to be knowledgeable enough through
inspiring students since they are the most influential role models for developing students
and have the ability to convey the usefulness of Math.
Department of Education. This study would help the responsible for education to be
aware in implementing the curriculum relevant to student’s learning in terms of
Mathematics.
Students. This study would help them to enhance their passion and interest in math and
to know the importance of math in their lives.
Parents. This study would be a great help for the parents to guide their children in
supporting their career path.
Definition of Terms
Self-Efficacy. Also referred as personal efficacy, is the extent or strength of one’s belief
on one’s own ability to complete tasks and reach goals.
Social Cognitive Career Theory. A position that attempts to trace some of the complex
connections between persons and their career related contexts, between cognitive and
interpersonal factors, and between self-directed and externally imposed influences on
career behavior.
CHAPTER 2
This chapter presents various literature and studies that support this study.
Research on the choice of career among secondary school students has for
long being of interest to educational psychologists and professional counselors. Although,
some studies have been carried out on the factors that influenced the choice of career
among secondary schools students (See, Holland, 1985, Engwuchukwu, 1997; and
Nworah, 1997), they did not investigate thoroughly the influence of environmental
factors on students choice of career instead, emphasis were placed on factors such as
personality type, prestige and economic rewards.
However, research evidence shows that the choice of career among secondary
school students is determined by a combination of personal abilities, personality type and
certain environmental factors. This is why Onayase and Onayase (2009) suggested an
investigation into environmental factors such as: family background, school environment,
religious institutions and even peer group and their influence on students’ choice of
career.
In this study, attention will be placed on the external factor of students influence
on the choice of career among senior high school students in Talisay City Division.
Youth interest in math and science is associated with the number of math and
science courses taken in high school and aspiration for math-related courses (Atwar,
10
Wiggins, & Gardner, 1995; Joyce & Farenga, 2000; Meece, Wigfield, & Eccles, 1990).
Boys report higher interest in math even though boys and girls regard math as equally
important (Frenzel, Goetz, Pekrun, & Watt, 2010; Watt, 2004). Jacobs et al. (2005) found
that math interest did not predict involvement in math or science activity; rather, children
with higher math ability self-concept were more likely to be interested in math. Girls’
interest in math decreases as they move through adolescence while boys ‘interest remains
constant (Eccles & Harold, 1992; Koller, Baumert, & Schnabel, 2001). Interestingly, this
pattern holds true for ability self-concept as well. Girls begin to demonstrate
progressively lower ability self-concept relative to boys beginning in middle school and
extending through high school and college (Pajares, 2005). Expectancy-value theory
suggests that interest is influenced by the belief that one can succeed in a given field,
explaining the relationship between interest and ability self-concept (Eccles, 1983).
Therefore, according to Eccles and others (e.g., Pajares, 2005), interest and ability self-
concept are intimately interlinked. As girls tend to have lower math ability self-concepts
than boys, their math interest in turn is lowered.
Most studies have focused on enrollment and experiences in college, despite the
fact that educational and career aspirations surface in late childhood and early
adolescence (Eccles, Vida, & Barber, 2004; Wang, 2012). The majority of students who
pursue STEM degrees make that choice before they enter college and that choice is
related to a growing interest in math and science in elementary school (Maltese & Tai,
2011). Researchers have also identified the period of middle school as a particularly
important time for choosing to pursue STEM versus non-STEM careers (Maltese & Tai,
2010; Tai, Liu, Maltese, & Sandler, 2006). The career aspirations formed in middle and
high school initiate the academic pathways that lead to STEM college majors (Eccles et
al., 2004; Morgan et al., 2013). Once a student begins college, switching into STEM
fields, especially the physical, computer, and engineering sciences, becomes difficult due
to the constrained and prescribed curricula in these subjects. Thus, it is important that we
understand the early school experiences and motivational processes that lay the
groundwork for selecting a rigorous trajectory of secondary school math and science
courses as well as pursuing math and science college majors.
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CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Method
Quantitative research is used for this study. The researcher chose quantitative
method to meet the objectives of the study, namely to identify the factors influencing
students in Senior High School at Talisay City Division in taking STEM courses and its
level of influence.
The researcher used questionnaire to gain insight of all the learners picking STEM
courses in Senior High School.
Sampling Design
The researchers utilized cluster sampling method where in the researchers conduct
study in Talisay City Senior High School in Talisay City Division.
Research Settings
The study is conducted in Talisay City, Cebu. The Talisay City Senior High
School in Poblacion, Talisay City, Cebu.
Research Respondents
The respondents of the study are the Grade 11 students who chose STEM courses
in Talisay City Senior High School. The respondents of this study are determined through
cluster method.
Research Instruments
The survey items in this study are developed as a result of an analysis of previous
studies, and are view of the literature. The items in the questionnaire are also validated
before finalizing them.
Data collection is conducted after obtaining permission from the students of the
Senior High School from Talisay City, Cebu. The procedures of data collection were
divided into two phases: preparation phase and implementing phase.
1. Preparation Phase
Asking permission to collect data by sending a letter to the respondents about the
research objectives.
Preparing the Questionnaire
2. Implementing Phase
The interview is conducted and the questionnaires are administered to the
respondents.
The subjects are asking to answer the interview questions and complete the
questionnaire the soonest possible time.
The researchers collect the questionnaires directly from the respondents.
Statistical Treatment
After collecting the data, these were tabulated, organized and analyzed. The
researcher use Graphical Presentation to identify the level of influence of each factors.
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Chapter 4
This chapter presents the analysis and interprets the results of the study
conducted. The data presented based on the sub-problems of the study namely: Influences
on Senior High School Students’ Career Behavior towards STEM; its level of influence,
and the policy recommendation for proper career pathing.
Table 1 presents the factors influencing students in Senior High School in taking
STEM courses.
Factors Frequency
Self-Efficacy 25
Passion 23
Expertise 17
Force 16
Factors Frequency
Teachers 10
Parents 16
Classmates 5
Peers 6
Demand 19
Financial Status 13
Course Availability 18
15
This implies the chosen internal and external factors by the researchers that
mostly influence the Senior High School students to choose STEM courses. Most of the
students were influenced by their internal factors which nanely self-efficacy, passion,
expertise and force. According to Influences on Career Path by Liza McQuerrey, “A
variety of factors are likely to influence your career path, and some of those factors may
change during the course of your professional life. Sometimes, life circumstances alter
career paths, while in other instances, what you thought would be an enjoyable career is
no longer appealing or fulfilling. Additionally, outside influences, such as family and
friends, can change your views or make you see your professional goals differently.’’
Graph 1 presents the level of influence of each factors which been ranked by the
students that influenced them to take STEM courses.
Rank 1
Required
Classmates 4%
4%
Demand
7%
Parents
11%
Passion
Self-Efficiency 63%
11%
This implies that most students were influenced by their passion in taking STEM
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courses. According to Ayuk (2012), becomes the “sign post” of career choices. Without
interest and passion in any endeavor, the commitment for success will always be a
travesty and a charade. For example, research made on factors influencing career choice
and level of professional satisfaction on speech language pathology, revealed two factors
to be highly influential in choosing a career and includes; a desire to help others and
interest in the profession and passion was the factor most agreed upon as being influential
in choosing a career (Lart 2002).
Parents
4% Peers
4%
Force
7%
Self- Efficacy
Course Availability 22%
7%
Passion
Demand
11%
15%
This implies that students were influenced also by their financial status, expertise
and demand. According to Bolles (2011), you at one point inherit from your parents
certain financial and other resources that, to some extent, influence your career choices.
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Your family’s financial status determines things like where you live and which school
you attend. In turn, these can affect your values, occupational expectations, opportunities,
and gender role expectations. Usually, social status is passed down from generation to
generation, you may not benefit by being exposed to many opportunities or on the other
hand you may not have the opportunity to recognize all the career option open to you
(Hooley, 2012). Even though your socioeconomic status may have affected your career
decision so far, many career related decisions lie ahead. High aspiration and motivation
to achieve will help you to reach your goals.
Rank 3
Financial Status
4%
Demand
4%
Passion
8%
Parents
12%
Force Expertise
11% 19%
This implies that students were influenced by their self-efficacy. According to Albert
Bandura (1994), self-efficacy can affect our cognitions, motivation, affect, and choices.
Individuals with high levels of self efficacy for a specific task are more likely to engage
in the task, put in more effort, produce quality performance, and persist in the face of
obstacles. Conversely, individuals with low self efficacy are more likely to avoid
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situations that exceed their perceptions of their ability to cope, The Effects of 4 produce
poorer performances, and give up more easily in the face of difficulties (Bandura, 1977,
1986; Bandura & Adams, 1977).
Rank 4
Expertise
4%
Classmates
4%
Parents
4%
Financial Status
7%
Force
19%
Teacher
7%
Demand Self-Efficacy
15% 15%
This implies that force also influence students in taking STEM courses.
According to Keller 2004, parents serve as a major influence in their children’s career
development and career decision- making. Parents want their children to find happiness
and success in life and one factor which influences happiness and success is career
choice. Research also indicates that when students feel supported and loved by their
parents, they have more confidence in their own ability to research careers and to choose
a career that would be interesting and exciting. This is important because studies show
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that adolescents, who feel competent regarding career decision-making, tend to make
more satisfying career choices later in life.
Table 2. It presents some of the chosen factors that influence students in taking STEM
courses.
Teachers 4 2 1 1
Parents 3 4 1 1
Classmates 1
Peers 1 1 2 2
Demand 2 3 1 3
Financial 2 3 1
Status
Course 5 3
Availability
Self- 2
Efficacy
Passion 1
20
Expertise 3 2 2
Force 1 2 1
This implies that students were influenced by course availability, parents and
teachers. According to Hashim & Embong, 2013 that parents play a significant role in
shaping and influencing their children in making wise career decisions; parents thus have
the ability to influence their child’s future.
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Chapter 5
This study aimed to explore the factors influencing Senior High School students
in Talisay City Senior High School in taking STEM courses. Specifically, it looked into
the level of influence of each factors. This study further looked into the policy
recommendation for career pathing. Researchers use graphical presentation to identify the
level of influence of each factor.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Factors influencing Students in taking STEM courses and its level of influence
In table 2 students were also influenced by course availability, teachers and their
parents. Furthermore students were not only influenced by one or two factors but some
were influenced by those stated factors in table 1.
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CONCLUSION
This research paper investigated the factors influencing students in taking STEM
courses. This was conducted by issuing and analyzing questionnaires that consists of
questions about the influence of external and internal factors in taking STEM courses.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Educate parents and students during parents and teachers meeting to discuss the best
path for students’ interest in STEM courses and about the advanced placement
courses that would best benefit the students and their college aspirations.
2. The institution should conduct seminar-workshop and other related activities about
career pathing for the students to be guided in their career path.
3. For the future researchers they must include more variables that would be fit on the
influences of student’s career choice
23
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APPENDIX A
Dear Respondents,
Good day!
We, the 3rd year Mathematics major, would like to conduct a study entitled “Influence of
external and internal factors in taking STEM courses among Senior High School“. With
this, we have chosen you as one of our respondents on this study. May we then ask you to
answer the questions below to help us meet the objectives of this study. Rest assured that
your answers will be handled will full confidentiality.
Sincerely,
The Researchers
These are the factors influencing students in choosing STEM for Senior High School.
I. Check the factors that influence your preference in taking STEM in Senior High School.
Then rank your answers according to its level of influence. One is the highest.
B. Internal Factor
___B.3 Expertise
APPENDIX B
31
Ronnie m. abarquez
PERSONAL DATA
NICKNAME : Ron
CONTACT NUMBER : 09229018919
E - MAIL ADDRESS : ronnie_abarquez@yahoo.com
HOME ADDRESS : Salvador, Tanke, City of Talisay, Cebu
CITY ADDRESS : Salvador, Tanke, City of Talisay, Cebu
AGE : 19 years old
GENDER : Male
CIVIL STATUS : Single
CITIZENSHIP : Filipino
BIRTHDATE : 05 March 1997
BIRTHPLACE : City of Talisay, Cebu
HEIGHT : 5'6"
WEIGHT : 50 kilograms
RELIGION : Roman Catholic
FATHER'S NAME : Ernesto Abarquez
(Driver)
MOTHER'S NAME : Gina Montillano
SKILLS / INTERESTS : Singing, Dancing
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
ELEMENTARY:
HIGH SCHOOL:
COLLEGE:
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
ELEMENTARY:
HIGH SCHOOL:
COLLEGE:
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
ELEMENTARY:
HIGH SCHOOL:
COLLEGE:
OTHERS:
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
ELEMENTARY:
HIGH SCHOOL:
COLLEGE:
37
cristine A. herbias
PERSONAL DATA
NICKNAME : Tin - Tin
CONTACT NUMBER : 09169484036
E - MAIL ADDRESS : cristineherbias@gmail.com
HOME ADDRESS : Camp 6, Manipis, City of Talisay, Cebu
CITY ADDRESS : Camp 6, Manipis, City of Talisay, Cebu
AGE : 20 years old
GENDER : Female
CIVIL STATUS : Single
CITIZENSHIP : Filipino
BIRTHDATE : 08 August 1996
BIRTHPLACE : Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Cebu City
HEIGHT : 5'4"
WEIGHT : 45 kilograms
RELIGION : Roman Catholic
FATHER'S NAME : Eduardo B. Herbias
(Farmer)
MOTHER'S NAME : Cristituta A. Herbias
SKILLS / INTERESTS : Dancing, Playing Volleyball, Playing Basketball
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
ELEMENTARY:
HIGH SCHOOL:
COLLEGE:
analyn b. laÑa
PERSONAL DATA
NICKNAME : Ana / Nalyn
CONTACT NUMBER : 09353867958
E - MAIL ADDRESS : analyn.pnhs@gmail.com
HOME ADDRESS : Bas, Perrelos, Carcar City, Cebu
CITY ADDRESS : Carmen Village, Poblacion, City of Talisay, Cebu
AGE : 18 years old
GENDER : Female
CIVIL STATUS : Single
CITIZENSHIP : Filipino
BIRTHDATE : 22 February 1998
BIRTHPLACE : Bas, Perrelos, Carcar City, Cebu
HEIGHT : 5'4"
WEIGHT : 49 kilograms
RELIGION : Roman Catholic
FATHER'S NAME : Wilson Laña
(Security Guard - 09355845471)
MOTHER'S NAME : Erlinda Laña
(AVON Dealer - 09356076700)
SKILLS / INTERESTS : Reading
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
ELEMENTARY:
HIGH SCHOOL:
COLLEGE: