Tracey-Ann Palmer|Paul F. Burke|Peter Aubusson
Why school students choose and reject science: a study of the factors that students consider when selecting subjects
University of Technology Sydney|University of Technology Sydney|University of Technology Sydney
student study science school linked need provide scientifically capable workforce scientifically literate societyeducators scientists policymakers concerned students choosing science study final years schoolhow students choose reject certain subjects including science time uncleara bestworst scaling bws survey completed 333 year 10 age 1417 students investigate relative importance 21 factors thought impact students subject selection decisionsstudents ranked enjoyment interest ability subject perceived need future study career plans important factors choosing rejecting subjectsthey considered advice teachers parents peers relatively less importantthese findings indicate enhancing students enjoyment interest perceptions ability science well increasing student perceptions value future career may result students studying science school