Enhancing Students’ Interests in Science and Technology Related Careers Through a Specially Designed Optional Course

Abstract

It is generally recognised that science and technology education should play a more important role in developing students’ awareness of, and positive attitudes towards, careers in science and technology. In order to address this call, an optional course was designed and taught in one Estonian gymnasium for 11th grade students (N=62). The aim of the course was also to develop students’ science knowledge through integrating different science disciplines with each other and with technology, engage students in issues related to the impact of science and technology on everyday life and develop students’ ability to make responsible decisions related to these issues. Four learning modules developed by different partners within the framework of the EU FP7 project ESTABLISH were adapted and taught within the optional course. 11th grade students’ interests in science and technology related careers were measured by means of a pre and post questionnaire. In addition, four students (two boys and two girls) were interviewed after the course for validation of the questionnaire. It was concluded that as a result of the course, students’ raised their interests toward careers related to science and technology. This change was statistically significant for both, boys and girls, but being more expressed by girls. Moreover, the learning units helped to broaden students’ understanding about the diverse field of technology and how science and technology are interrelated. Based on the current study, the design of the learning units would be consolidated by the study team.