Patterns in Students' Choices of Postcompulsory Chemistry

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Factors and Strategies Impacting Student Engagement in Science

Abstract

In line with international declines in students’ science enrolments many German students drop chemistry at upper secondary level (OECD, 2008). In response to insufficient participation in chemistry this study uses questionnaire data from German chemistry students in upper secondary school to determine predictors of choice and identify patterns in students post-16 choices. Students’ interest, subject-specific knowledge, grades, self-concepts and career aspirations were surveyed in a quasi-longitudinal study with two points of measurement spanning one academic year involving year 9-12 students. Findings indicate that students’ interest, self-concepts and career aspirations play a significant role as predictors while grades seem to be less important. However, students don’t make their choice in only one way. Altogether four profiles of post-16 choices were identified.

Authors

• Carolin Eitemueller, University of Duisburg-Essen

• Maik Walpuski, University of Duisburg-Essen