Personality Traits of Secondary School Girls Aspiring to Study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in Benin Metropolis of Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined some personality traits of secondary school girls aspiring to STEM careers in the Benin metropolis of Edo State in Nigeria. This study is a descriptive survey with a correlational design. The population of the study consisted of senior secondary school girls in sciences selected from federal, state and private schools in Benin metropolis of Edo State, Nigeria. Five hundred (500) female students formed the sample for the study. The data were analyzed using frequency counts, mean, standard deviation and chi-square. The hypotheses were tested using the Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the multiple regressions. The findings of the study among others were: age and course of interest have a significant influence on girls aspiring to STEM careers; flexibility, self-esteem, enterprising, team spirit, social, and stress tolerance were exhibited by the girls; and that personality trait is a significant predictor of girls aspiring to STEM careers. It was concluded that the personality traits identified affects the single sex and mixed schools in about the same way. This implies that school type does not affect the personality traits of the girls much. Therefore, all secondary school girls have fairly equal chances of excelling in STEM careers. The study therefore recommended among others that: Parents, teachers and all stakeholders in education should be enlightened on participation of girls in STEM. Gender discrimination by employers should be discouraged. Secondary school students especially females should be encouraged to develop STEM competencies and disabuse their minds from the fear of some STEM subjects.