The Influence Of Gender, School Facilitation And Subject Choice Perception On Career Aspirations Among Secondary School Students In Nandi North Sub-County-Kenya

Abstract

Career choice is a huge responsibility for students since it determines the kind of profession that they intend to pursue in life. As students try to make career choice while in secondary school, they face the problem of matching their career choices with their school performance and subject choices. The main purpose of this study was to find out the influence of the perception of subject choices of secondary school students on their career aspirations. Specifically, the study sought to find out the influence of gender in students’ subject choices, to establish the influence of gender in students’ career aspirations, to investigate the influence of the school facilitation on the students’ subject choices and to find out the influence of the perception of subject choices on the students’ career aspirations. It also sought to test the hypotheses based on the objectives. The study was guided by Symbolic Interaction Theory by Blumer. Descriptive Survey Design was employed as it allowed the collection of data through designed questionnaires. This study was carried out in secondary schools in Nandi North Sub-County. The final sample consisted of 235 male and 157 female students. Their inclusion was based on the assumption that they were mature and had selected examinable subjects which eventually will determine the careers they are likely to engage in. Validity of the research tools was determined by having experienced supervisors in the School of Education Moi University, who checked the questionnaires to evaluate the exactness of the items contained in the various instruments, while reliability of the research instruments was established by a pilot study in the neighboring Nandi Central District. The study generated both qualitative and quantitative data. Quantitative data was coded and entered into Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS Version 17.0) and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was analyzed based on the content matter of the responses. Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Chi- Square Statistics at 0.05 level of significance were employed to test the hypotheses. The study found that there was still gender disparity in the choice of subjects and was also realized in career aspirations. The study concluded that students had developed a career paths that they strived to attain in life and therefore, should be motivated to take the relevant subjects. Different perceptions male and female students have in regards to their ability and competency in those classes influenced choice of subjects. School has a great role to play in influencing students’ choice of subjects. The study recommends students to have good attitude towards subjects. They need to consider their interests, personal academic goals while choosing subjects. Teachers should strive to be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, caring, and helpful. Parents need to help students when making their study choices. The school should support subjects and careers decision making.