Faktor penyumbang kepada kemerosotan penyertaan pelajar dalam aliran sains: satu analisis sorotan tesis

Abstract

Since 1967, the government of Malaysia targeted 60:40 ratio of student participation in Science and Art subjects respectively. Until 2012, the percentage of student participation in secondary schools has never achieved the 60% target. In contrast, student achievement and participation in science stream deteriorated. Therefore, a meta-analysis study on theses highlight was conducted to identify problems faced by students, teachers and schools in the learning of mathematics and science in Malaysia. A total of 344 theses at Master and Doctorate levels from 9 universities in Malaysia which offered post-graduate education programmes were collected to determine problems faced and possible causes that led to decreasing participation of students. The study found that students had high level of interest and positive attitude towards mathematics and science. However, there were concerns among students regarding the assessments in mathematics and science subjects compared to art subjects which eventually led to students not choosing science stream. Besides that, factors such as teaching styles, family and peer influence, negative perception towards mathematics and science subjects, lack of exposure regarding opportunities for further studies and future careers had contributed to the cause of student’s poor participation in science stream. Four thrusts of recommendations were tabled to address the problem.