Communications of the ACM
Boys' Interest in STEM Is Decreasing, New Study Says
A recent survey of teen students found that fewer boys are interested in a career in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) than were a year ago; girls' interest in STEM-related careers remained low, but stable.
Credit: Bigthink.com
Only 24% of boys are interested in a career in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), compared to 36% in 2017, according to a recent survey of 1,000 students between 13 and 17 years old conducted on behalf of the non-profit Junior Achievement and Ernst & Young.
Meanwhile, girls' interest in STEM-related careers remained stable, though low, at 11%.
The study found the main factors influencing teenagers' top career choices are whether or not they are "good at it," and whether it helps people in some way.
Teens' decreased interest in STEM may be attributable to a perception that these careers do not have a strong altruistic aspect, says Kim McGrigg, director of communication at Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain.
McGrigg underscored the importance of highlighting ways STEM professions can help others, in order to capture and retain children's interest.
From The Denver Post
View Full Article
Abstracts Copyright © 2018 Information Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, USA
No entries found