A Qualitative Exploration of STEM Career Development of High School Students in Taiwan

• In Event: 18.019 - Approaches to Enhancing College Access and Career Development

Abstract

Although personal inputs and contextual variables in social cognitive career theory (SCCT) are recognized as key factors that affect career choices, research has given minimal attention to the role of these variables in the current context of globalization. We present a study examining STEM career decision-making process of 12 high school students aged 15-17, using a consensual qualitative research method. The data analysis resulted in four domains: personal input, contextual variables, outcome expectations, and self-efficacy identified by SCCT. These results provide a foundation for future research on cross-cultural STEM education. Implications highlight the importance of counselors in encouraging students of collectivistic culture background to pursue STEM careers.

Authors

• Jiaqi Li, Wichita State University

• Wei-Cheng Joseph Mau, Wichita State University

• Shr Jya Chen, Tung Hai University

• Tzu Chi Lin, Tung Hai University

• Ting Yu Lin, Tung Hai University