Abstract:
Global statistics show that women are outnumbered by men in STEM activities,
which has been the case for many centuries. More women than men drop out of
science fields during studies or careers. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to
examine the factors that influence students’ choice of STEM programs in the Hohoe
Municipality. The study is quantitative, and the descriptive survey design was
employed. A random sampling technique was used to select STEM students for the
study. Factor analysis was conducted to ascertain the factors influencing students’
choice of STEM courses. Teachers’ attitude towards girls in STEM programs is
related to STEM-related courses. Home-related and role model-related factors are
determinants of STEM courses choice in the Hohoe Municipality. The study
recommends that the government of Ghana should organise STEM clinics in selected
districts in Ghana to sensitise girls to various STEM-related careers that girls can
pursue (e.g. teaching, medicine, laboratory work, or telecommunications engineering).
STEM clinics have a strong potential for increasing girls’ interest in science. This will
help girls have a unique opportunity to interact with young female scientists and learn
from the wide range of opportunities offered by studying STEM subjects
Description:
A dissertation in the Department of Educational Foundations,
Faculty of Educational Studies, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies, in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Post Graduate Diploma
(Education)
in the University of Education, Winneba
JULY, 2022