Perceived influence of High School Information Technology curriculum on female students' interest in pursuing Information Technology Programmes

Abstract

This study explores factors influencing female students' interest in pursuing higher education in Information Technology (IT) within Senior High School (SHS) settings. Using Expectancy-Value and Leaky Pipeline theories as frameworks, it examines how these elements impact female engagement in IT and contribute to the gender gap in STEM. Data were collected through a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with female SHS students. Quantitative data were collected from 410 students using voluntary sampling, while qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 participants selected through heterogeneous purposive sampling. Instrument reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha, while trustworthiness in the qualitative phase was ensured through credibility and transferability checks. Regression analysis revealed that teaching pedagogies had the greatest influence on students' interest, followed by curriculum content, collectively explaining 58.9% of the variance in interest levels. Qualitatively, findings indicate that the SHS ICT curriculum’s theoretical focus limits its motivational impact, while interactive teaching methods and co-curricular activities provide engaging, hands-on experiences that enhance interest. Traditional assessments yielded mixed effects, with practical evaluations boosting confidence but challenging exams occasionally discouraging interest. Limitations include time and resource constraints, and the use of voluntary sampling, which may affect generalizability. The study recommends curriculum reform to emphasize practical, career-relevant skills; adoption of interactive teaching methods; expansion of extracurricular ICT programmes; and diverse assessment strategies that capture broader student strengths. These findings contribute to educational reforms aimed at enhancing female participation in IT-related fields.