Understanding the Decision-Making Process of Female High School Students’ STEM Choice in South Korea

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 11:40 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Gender and Racial Disparities in Educational Aspirations, Choices, and Trajectories (Table 12)

Abstract

This study explores Korean female high school students’ decision-making process in STEM through semi-structured interviews with 16 students. It reveals a common belief among females that STEM subjects, especially mathematics and physics, require innate ability more commonly found among boys. Factors contributing to this perception include the absence of female role models, high-performing male peers, gender-stereotyped teacher comments, and differing math problem-solving approaches by gender. These perceptions lead to varied reactions (positive, indifferent, discouraged), influencing STEM track choices. The study provides comprehensive analysis by precise categorization of STEM choices into physics and non-physics. It also highlights external influences like private academies and contrasts with prior research by noting parental encouragement rather than discouragement of STEM pursuits in Korea.

Author

• Yijun Won, University of Wisconsin - Madison