Factors influencing choice of school subject by senior secondary school students

Project Abstract

Factors influencing choice of school subject by senior secondary school students The choice of school subjects by senior secondary school students is a crucial decision that can impact their academic performance, future career prospects, and overall well-being. This research project aims to investigate the various factors that influence students' decisions when selecting subjects at this critical stage of their education. A thorough literature review was conducted to explore existing studies on the subject choice process among students. The findings suggest that several factors play a significant role in shaping students' decisions, including personal interests, career aspirations, parental influence, peer pressure, teacher recommendations, and perceived difficulty of subjects. Personal interests emerged as one of the primary factors influencing subject choice among senior secondary school students. Students tend to excel in subjects they are passionate about, leading them to select subjects aligned with their interests and strengths. Career aspirations also play a crucial role in shaping students' subject preferences, as they often choose subjects that align with their desired future professions. Parental influence was found to be a significant factor impacting students' subject choices. Parents' educational backgrounds, expectations, and guidance can heavily influence the subjects their children choose to study. Peer pressure was identified as another influential factor, with students sometimes selecting subjects based on what their friends are choosing or perceived social status associated with certain subjects. Teacher recommendations were also found to play a role in students' subject choices. Teachers' guidance, expertise, and encouragement can influence students' perceptions of subjects and their likelihood of selecting them for further study. Moreover, the perceived difficulty of subjects can impact students' decisions, with many students opting for subjects they believe are easier or more manageable. Understanding the factors that influence senior secondary school students' choice of school subjects is essential for educators, policymakers, and parents to provide adequate support and guidance to help students make informed decisions. By addressing these factors and offering comprehensive career guidance, educational institutions can better support students in selecting subjects that align with their interests, abilities, and future goals, ultimately enhancing their academic performance and career prospects.

Project Overview

<p> </p><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p><strong>1.1 Background to the study</strong></p><p>Although the over-all philosophy and objectives of education in Nigeria states among others that: the integration of the individual into a sound and effective citizen and equal education opportunities for all citizens of the nation at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1981), several factors however influence individual decision and choices. This term “influence” refers to the ability to produce an effect that affects the character of a person and “choice” refers to the right to choose and or the ability to select out of a number of things and take a decision. In consequence, therefore, the choice of a subject by students is influenced by the dynamics of socio-economic and some related personal factors (Akintade, 2012).</p><p>The senior secondary school education (SSS) represents the third stage in the current educational system known as 6-3-3-4. This system of education that was designed by the National Policy on Education exposes the learner to as many disciplines as possible in the junior secondary school (J.S.S) and then allows them to make choices of subjects in the senior secondary school level (SSS). The core school subjects for senior secondary school education are as follows: “Mathematics, English, One Nigerian language, Biology, Literature in English, Agricultural science as a vocational subject. Optional subjects include:- Economics, Bible Knowledge, Arabic Studies, Commerce, Accounting, French, Government, Home-Economics, Typewriting, Music, Technical Drawing, Physical Education, Health Science, Wood work and Shorthand (Akintade, 2012)”.</p><p>Making choices from an array of options is an integral part of life. At various stages in life, individuals have to make some important decisions. Some of such decisions tend to have everlasting impact on the individual. One of such delicate and life implicating decisions is the choice of school subjects at the senior secondary school level. It is one decision that tends to determine students’ future educational and career progress (Owoyele and Toyobo, 2008).</p><p>Some researchers have tried to identity a considerable number of factors influencing subjects’ selection by students in secondary schools. Literature indicates school policy, parental-will (Davis-Kean, 2005) peer influence (Addy and Diddulgh, 2001; Owoyele, 2007) academic ability, intelligence, age, sex, ignorance and accidental choice (Cooley and Comber, 2003) as some of the basic factors influencing students’ choice of subject selection.</p><p>The contribution of each of these factors is still obscure and studies on the most likely positive determinant of school subject selection in terms of predicting students’ success in future educational and career endeavours are still elusive (Owoyele and Toyobo, 2008).</p><p><strong>1.2 Statement of the Problem</strong></p><p>Students are faced with the problem of indecision when they are about to choose a subject, as a result of differences in opinion from various angles. This problem has plagued many Nigerian secondary school students for quite some time. It is such a problem that must be looked into, knowing fully well that the place of secondary education is highly significant in the educational development of a nation.</p><p>With good background, students still need to develop themselves on the subject areas they are keenly interested in and particularly the ones they have potentiality for to further their education in future which can help to better their career in life. Lots of students have been found choosing subjects for senior school certificate examination not minding the aspect of their potentiality which affects them when making a choice of career in the university. Many had made mistakes of wrong choice. Hence, this research seeks to explore the various factors influencing choice of school subjects by secondary school students in Lagos State.</p><p><strong>1.3 Purpose of the Study</strong></p><p>The study will be conducted with the following objectives;</p><p>i. To find out the influence of the subject teacher on students’ choice of subjects in secondary schools in Lagos State.</p><p>ii. To find out the influence of gender on secondary school students’ choice of subjects in Lagos State.</p><p>iii. To investigate the role of parents in influencing students’ choice of subjects in secondary schools.</p><p>iv. To investigate the role of peer groups in influencing students’ choice of subjects in secondary schools in Lagos State.</p><p><strong>1.4 Research Questions</strong></p><p>The study was guided with the following Research Questions:</p><p>a.How does the subject teacher influence students’ choice of subjects in secondary school Lagos State?</p><p>b.How does gender affect secondary school students’ choice of subjects in Lagos State?</p><p>c.What is the role of parents in influencing students’ choice of subjects in secondary schools?</p><p>d.What is the role of peer groups in influencing students’ choice of subjects in secondary schools in Lagos State?</p><p><strong>1.5 Research Hypotheses</strong></p><p>The researcher tested the following hypotheses in the course of the study:</p><p>Hypothesis 1:</p><p>H01: There is no significant impact of the subject teacher’s influence on students’ choice of subjects in the senior secondary school in Lagos State.</p><p>Hypothesis 2:</p><p>H02: Gender does not affect senior secondary school students’ choice of subjects in Lagos State.</p><p>Hypothesis 3:</p><p>H03: Parents do not influence students’ choice of subjects in secondary schools in Lagos State.</p><p>Hypothesis 4:</p><p>H04: Peer groups do not influence students’ choice of subjects in secondary schools in Lagos State</p> <br><p></p>