ABSTRACT
The
purpose of this study was to find out the factors influencing choice of
school subjects by senior secondary students in Oredo Local Government
Area of Edo state. The study was aimed at ascertaining the factors
influencing the choice of subjects by senior secondary school students.
In the process of carrying out the study, questionnaires were
administered to six (6) different secondary schools. The data collected
were analyzed and interpreted simple percentage method. The point of
emphasis is to find solutions to the highlighted problems hindering the
choice of subjects by senior secondary school students of Edo state. The
recommendation include government should recognize the importance of
career counsellors in secondary schools. There should be reduction of
the subjects offered in senior secondary schools and also provides
conducive learning environment for the secondary school students.
TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
Background of the study
Statement of problem
Purpose of the study
Research questions
Significance of the study
Limitation of study
Definition of terms
CHAPTER TWO
Literature review
CHAPTER THREE
Research methodology
Design of the study
The study sample
Research instrument
Data analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
Analysis and interpretation of data
Analysis of the questionnaire
CHAPTER FIVE
Summary, conclusion and recommendations
Summary
Conclusion
Recommendations
REFERENCES
QUESTIONNAIRE
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
From
the secondary school age, the adolescents are often faced with the
problems of choosing subjects that are suitable and relevant for the
attainment of a dream career. This process of choice making leads the
adolescent to select one form of subject or the other in which he/she is
best suited.
According to Okeke (1993) in pre-colonial Nigeria, the acquisition of
skills did not require more specialized assistant because it was used
informally at home, in families, in village squares and at moon light
games. These purposes were clearly understood by the citizens who
imparted the skills such as practical transmission of local customs,
moral, religious and social values.
Furthermore, it was a situation in which young people suddenly learnt
their father’s profession. Therefore, if the father was a blacksmith,
what this means is that abilities, interest and occupational needs of
the pre-colonial society and other variable factors were not considered
before choosing occupation by children.
It has also been observed that in a simple society, choice of career of
subjects relating to such career does not require specialized
assistance. In such situation, parents or even peer group could be of
influence in some society; there has been little or no knowledge of what
goes on in schools. It becomes pertinent that the schools should have
valuable assistance in this direction. Students who pass their secondary
final examination could always secure employment. This secondary school
certificate serves as visa for employment and for admission into higher
institutions.
In
modern age, the quest for knowledge and excellence has made the society
more complex and as a result creates the problems of career choice
among youths just coming out from secondary schools. Often, the
adolescent students choose subjects for which they have no interest or
ability on and the effect is always failure on the part of the students
and in some cases, frustration which eventually leads to drop out with
thus choosing a suitable and interesting subjects becomes every
developing adolescent’s problem which he or she must in one time or the
other face in life time. This eventually becomes not just the individual
student’s problem but societal and government responsibility.
Most importantly, the choice of subject is very crucial in the lives of
students as it may affect every aspect of their lives. It is so because
it determines the student’s career lives. A right choice in subject
making will always afford the students the opportunity to actualize
potentials in their chosen future career.
Jauyeola (1997) opined that our young ones need constant guidance in
choice of subject. This is because it is common find students choosing
subjects for which they have little or no aptitude or interest only to
end frustration in the long run.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Owing to the fact that a country’s development lies on the youths of
the country which the next generation and engine to growth , therefore,
this study intends to examine the specific factors or issues that serve
as a barrier to choice of school subjects by senior secondary school
students.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
This research work was carried out to examine the factors influencing
choice of school subjects by senior secondary school students in Oredo
Local Government Area of Edo state as its main objectives with others
are:
It is aimed at bringing light to various factors influencing choice of
school subjects by senior secondary school students. This study will
also determine the relative influence of each factor that affects
student’s choice in their secondary schools. Finally, the researcher
intends to discover how students combine choice of subject in line with
their future career.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The following are the research questions for this study:
1. Does the counselling services provided by teachers to student’s choice of subject?
2. Does peer group influence affect students’ choice of subject?
3. Does the socio-economic background of students affect the choice of school subjects?
4. Does government regulation affect students’ choice of subject?
5. Does ineffectiveness of senior secondary school teachers reflect on choice of subject made by students?
6. Does student’s academic performance and appropriate reading manner affect their choice of subject?
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Most parents are ill-informed about the opportunities opened to their
children. There is also lack of awareness of what should be the factors
to consider before choosing subjects among students themselves. There is
also the conflicting value of students at times when they are faced
with the problems of making the right choice.
This study will help students understand themselves, become more
effective, be more productive and appear being. Also, the study intend
to reinforce the need for training and updating school counsellors who
will be of help to the interpretation of students’ test result to place
them where they are needed. This study is also aimed at reducing social
vices of our young people. many students have drop out of schools due to
their inability to recognize their potentials. This study will put
them into normal human track and make him sensitive to societal
norms/values.
Therefore, the overall significance of this study is to reveal the
career aspiration of students and on the promise that it will help
career guidance experts in assisting tomorrow’s leaders, making a social
decision as regards to their school subject which will save these
you8ng people from future failure and frustrations which make them
productive and equip them with the prerequisite knowledge for future
learning.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Choice: the willingness to select among other options.
Manner: the way something is done or happens.
Significance: something that is large or important enough to have an effect.
Subject: an area of knowledge that one studies in school or university.
Counsellor: one who has been trained to advice students with problems or pressing issues.
Influence: the factors that affect human decisions making.
Factors: they are reasons behind certain happenings or why certain things happen.