A study of science/non-science subject choice at post-secondary level

Abstract

A matter of concern in Malta and other European countries is the fact that students are moving away from learning science subjects. The main aim of this dissertation was to provide a clearer perspective about the choice of Biology and Chemistry at A-level in Malta. Another aim of this study was to find out what leads students at Post-Secondary level to choose Biology and Chemistry as their main subjects. The factors that lead other students who studied Biology and Chemistry at Secondary level to drop these subjects when continuing studying at Sixth Form were also investigated. Another objective of this dissertation was to find out the factors which influence these students in their decision taking. Data to answer these questions were obtained by means of questionnaires with a group of three hundred first year sixth formers who have chosen science subjects at Alevel and with those who have not. The study was carried out in three different Sixth Form schools. Data were also obtained from interviews with guidance teachers from both Secondary and Post-Secondary institutions. The factors and persons who are influential to students during their A-level subject choice were found in this study. Other findings of this study were clear indications of what leads students towards or away from science subjects at post secondary level.