Biology as a viable subject choice in Maltese church schools

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to identify how four local Church Schools, go about the subject choice phase, in terms of the strategies and resources available to help students make such a choice, the awareness regarding the importance of such a choice and the information being made accessible to students going through this phase. Other aims of the study were to draw out common perceptions of Biology, to evaluate what motivates or demotivates students from choosing Biology as one of their main subjects and to assess whether this related to their career aspirations. The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Questionnaires were distributed to students who just made their subject choice, while interviews were conducted with Guidance teachers, Biology teachers and Form 5 Biology students. The results indicate a lack of awareness and of effective strategies and resources dedicated to the subject choice phase in local Church schools. In fact, most students taking up Biology harbour extensive misconceptions when it comes to Biology as a viable subject choice. Moreover, female students require much more attention, guidance and resources at this critical phase than males do. At the moment, it seems that the widespread 'solution' to the risk of choosing the 'wrong' subjects is urging students to choose 'ideal subject combinations' or those subjects which are the least likely to narrow down their future opportunities.