Factors Affecting Cambodian Upper Secondary School Students’ Choice of Science Track

Abstract

Upper secondary school years have been considered as a critical period for attracting students into future science-related majors and careers; yet, Cambodia is facing a worrisome decline trend in the students’ choice of science track. Through the lens of the making of engineers and scientists conceptual framework, the study aims to investigate the factors affecting Cambodian upper secondary school students’ choice of science track. With self-rating questionnaire survey, which randomly covered 751 11th graders in nine upper secondary schools in three provinces of Cambodia, the researcher collected data on three significant factors namely individual ability and personality, family background and encouragement, and upper secondary school experience and support. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that performance in science and mathematics subjects, attitude towards science, plan to major in STEM, time spent self-studying in science and mathematics subjects, family encouragement, mother’s education, and school location significantly predicted students’ choice of science track. Some important implications for pedagogical orientation were also discussed.

University’s Image Moderates the Influence of Location and Word of Mouth Marketing on the Decision to Chose a College

“…This result strengthens the theory of planned behavior where a student first chooses a place to study before plan by considering the location of the university, word of mouth marketing and the image of the university. The results of this study are in line with research (Adhiansyah and Rizkyanfi, 2020); (Cynthia, Hermawan and Izzuddin, 2022); (Kelvinia et al, 2021); (Nuseir and El Refae, 2022); (Rachmawati et al, 2019); (Kao and Shimizu, 2020); (Sundari et al, 2021) which states that location influences the decision to choose a university.…”

“…The decision to choose a college by students is related to the location of the college, word of mouth marketing and the image of the college. Several studies state that the location of a university influences a student's decision to choose a university to study at (Adhiansyah and Rizkyanfi, 2020); (Cynthia, Hermawan and Izzuddin, 2022); (Kelvinia et al, 2021); (Nuseir and El Refae, 2022); (Rachmawati et al, 2019); (Kao and Shimizu, 2020); (Sundari et al, 2021), other research also states that word of mouth marketing influences students' decisions in choosing a university (Chua et al, 2020); (Gosal et al, 2020); (Guerreiro and Pacheco, 2021); (Hikmah et al, 2022); (Ismagilova et al, 2020); (Prasad et al, 2019); (Sulthana and Vasantha, 2019); (Wiratama et al, 2022). Several studies state that location does not influence a student's decision to choose a university (Bachtiar and Purwanto, 2021); (Harahap et al, 2020), several studies also state that word of mouth marketing has no influence on students' decisions in choosing a university (Khanafi, 2021); (Slamet, Prasetyo and Azmala, 2022); (Suharyanto and Rahman, 2022).…”

Students’ Perceptions toward Health Science Career Choice: A Case from Cambodia

“…The availability of health science majors and universities, together with information on scholarships, was considered crucial for upper-secondary school students to prepare themselves and consider enrolling in this major of study (Chea et al, 2022;Kao & Shimizu, 2020;Sorn & Suon, 2022). In addition, since the health science major required a NEE test, which required good performance in the science courses to compete for the restricted chair in this health science major, the choice was based on their own personal interests and academic performance (Atitsogbe et al, 2018;Calkins & Welki, 2006;Sorn & Suon, 2022).…”

“…In addition, since the health science major required a NEE test, which required good performance in the science courses to compete for the restricted chair in this health science major, the choice was based on their own personal interests and academic performance (Atitsogbe et al, 2018;Calkins & Welki, 2006;Sorn & Suon, 2022). The issues and challenges regarding the health science major choice at HE are due to the lack of information and inspiration at the upper secondary school level (Chea et al, 2022;Kao & Shimizu, 2020).…”

“…There is only 1% enrollment in a post-graduate program in health science and 0% graduation with this degree yet (MoEYS, 2021). According to previous studies, students may encounter challenges while selecting a university major, such as a lack of knowledge, self-interest in the topic, ability in the field, and peer pressure (friends, parents, spouses, or role models) (Chea et al, 2022;Downey et al, 2011;Kao & Shimizu, 2020).…”