Abstract
While the study of science subjects at school is essential for the development of science and technology in society, it is a recognized fact that a large number of students show reluctance to study science and mathematics. Thus, it is of great significance to deliberate on ways to increase their interest in science subjects and enhance effectiveness of learning. We conducted a survey of researchers and engineers who exercise their scientific abilities in their work, asking about their experiences in science education and learning from elementary school to university. We then examined the relationship between their learning experiences and their abilities as researchers and engineers, and analysed the factors that would enhance students’ interest in science subjects and motivation to study these subjects. 
 
 The results of our analysis show that “getting interested in science during the early years of elementary school,” “being able to understand the science lessons,” “amazing experience in science class,” “association of science learning with daily life,” “finding the talks in class interesting,” and “approachability to science learning,” have a positive effect on science learning and is crucial to improving professional capacity.
Highlights
The study of science and mathematics subjects in school is essential for the development of science and technology in society
The results of our analysis show that “getting interested in science during the early years of elementary school,” “being able to understand the science lessons,” “amazing experience in science class,” “association of science learning with daily life,” “finding the talks in class interesting,” and “approachability to science learning,” have a positive effect on science learning and is crucial to improving professional capacity
The variables sampled from the factor analysis were: 1) positive attitude toward science learning from junior high school days onward; 2) feeling that science is one’s favourite subject from junior high school days onward; 3) feeling that science is one’s favourite subject during elementary school; 4) studying science with friends; 5) association of science learning with daily life; 6) approachability to the content of science subjects; 7) positive attitude toward science learning during elementary school; 8) patience in learning science during elementary school; and 9) feeling that science is one’s weakest subject from elementary school to university
Summary
The study of science and mathematics subjects in school is essential for the development of science and technology in society. Since science and mathematics are subjects that a large number of students tend to show reluctance to study, it is important to explore ways to enhance their willingness to study these subjects as well as effectiveness of learning. We analyse the results of questionnaires completed by Japanese researchers and engineers in Japan and examine the factors that increase students’ interest in and enhance their motivation to learn science subjects. Tytler (2014) reviewed existing studies to explore the teaching methods in science that increase motivation to study science subjects and enhance learning achievements Breakwell and Beardsell (1992) conducted a survey on children aged eleven to fourteen in the U.K. to see how their learning behaviours in science subjects change by sex and by the influence of those who are close to them including their parents. Osborne et al (2003) presented seven factors that could affect students’ learning attitudes and verified their effects: (i) motivation for learning, (ii) self-efficacy in learning science (Note 1), (iii) fear of science, (iv) awareness of science, (v) opinions of science teachers about science learning, (vi) participation in science-related extracurricular activities, and (vii) interest in science-related occupations. Tytler (2014) reviewed existing studies to explore the teaching methods in science that increase motivation to study science subjects and enhance learning achievements
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