Factors influencing low female students’ participation in science, technology and engineering courses in second cycle institutions in the Bawku municipality

Abstract

This study explored students’ perceptions of the factors influencing low female students’ participation in science, technology and engineering courses in second cycle schools in the Bawku Municipality. The study also examined the kind and level of support, guidance and information students receive before making stream choices. Using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, data was gathered through questionnaires, document review, focus group discussions and semi – structured interviews from 110 students, 13 science teachers, three heads of schools and one Municipal Educational Officer in municipality. The literature review and research questions guided the analysis of data by organizing the analysis section into several themes. The findings of this study indicate that factors such as students’ examination scores, self-efficacy in science, knowledge of available careers, gender and school resource contexts affect students’ choice of science streams. The results also revealed that a majority of students had relatively little knowledge of available careers and how they are related to subject choices. This study recommends that efforts be made to improve secondary students’ performance in Science, Technology and Engineering since a majority of students perceive performance as a main factor influencing their choice of science subjects. This will help the girl-child to build up a strong ego and confidence to go through school. Finally, special attention should be paid to female performance and participation in Science, Technology and Engineering because findings from this study have indicated this to be a serious problem.