The attitudes of students towards Geography in relation to their choice of subjects

Abstract

Certain optional subjects in Maltese schools, when compared to others, tend to be more popular with students (MATSEC, 2015). The main aim of this research was to investigate the attitude of Year 8 (Form 2) students towards the subject of Geography. It has also considered the main factors which influence the students’ approach towards the subject and the determining factors which influence students in considering Geography as a potential optional subject. The study employed the mixed method research approach, utilizing a triangulation made up of 103 questionnaires to students in three different schools; three interviews to Geography Teachers and three interviews to Guidance Teachers. Analysis of the findings showed that the overall attitude of Year 8 students towards school Geography is positive. Despite this result, most students still show resistance to the possibility of choosing Geography as one of their optional subjects due to factors which include the career-orientation of the students, parents’ influence and the pedagogic choices of the teacher. While most students think that there are job openings for someone studying Geography, most of them do not believe that an O’level Geography Option knowledge would be useful to their own career. Moreover, it has also been found that due to the one lesson per week system, Geography teachers are struggling in making students aware of any Geography related job opportunities. The findings show that during the guidance meetings, Geography as an option is only mentioned by a few students.