Science choice and achievement

Abstract

A survey on Science choice and achievement on 713 students (364 boys, 349 girls) attending Form 3 to Form 5 in Junior Lyceums and Secondary schools. A questionnaire to investigate science choice was administered in April-May 1989. Unpublished official statistical data were retrieved to investigate trends in science options and achievement in science subjects. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out. Interviews were also carried out to investigate the process of Science choice. Science (Biology more than Chemistry) is increasing in popularity among girls. Among boys no significant trends were found. Boys were mostly influenced by the father, the mother and the Guidance teacher in their choice, and girls, by the mother. the sister and the father. The family and the Guidance teacher were the two main consulted sources during the choice process. All students were influenced mostly by their future aspirations, TV programmes and books. Boys aspire mainly for two careers: scientific (45%) and medical (32%): girls aspire for medical (73%). Biology was found to be more popular than Chemistry among all students. The satisfaction level in the subjects (especially in Chemistry) decreases from Form 3 to Form 5. Form 3 students perform better in Biology than Chemistry, while globally, in Form 4, performance in the two subjects is the same. In the GCE O levels it seems that all students perform best in Chemistry. Boys perform better than girls in Physics. In secondary schools, very few pupils obtain a GCE certificate in Sciences.