Attitude towards Mathematics and Science in Relation to STEM Career Aspirations among Senior Secondary School Students

The present study aimed to examine the attitudes of senior secondary school students towards Mathematics and Science and investigate their relationship with STEM career aspirations in District Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir. The study also sought to determine whether gender differences exist in students' attitudes and career aspirations. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. A sample of 120 senior secondary school students (Classes XI and XII) was selected from four Government Higher Secondary Schools in District Baramulla using simple random sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising items on attitudes towards Mathematics, attitudes towards Science, and STEM career aspirations. The collected data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, Version 26). Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to assess students' attitudes and career aspirations, while Pearson's Product Moment Correlation was employed to examine the relationship between attitudes and STEM career aspirations. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to determine gender differences. Statistical significance was tested at the 0.05 level. The findings revealed that students possessed moderately positive attitudes towards Mathematics (M = 3.74, SD = 0.61) and Science (M = 3.89, SD = 0.58), along with moderately high STEM career aspirations (M = 3.68, SD = 0.72). A significant positive relationship was found between attitudes towards Mathematics and STEM career aspirations (r = 0.592, p < 0.001), as well as between attitudes towards Science and STEM career aspirations (r = 0.664, p < 0.001). The study found no statistically significant gender differences in attitudes towards Mathematics and Science or in STEM career aspirations. The study concludes that positive attitudes towards Mathematics and Science play a significant role in fostering students' aspirations for STEM careers. Strengthening learner-centred pedagogy, laboratory experiences, teacher support, and career guidance programmes can enhance students' interest in STEM disciplines. The findings provide preliminary empirical evidence from District Baramulla and offer useful implications for educators, school administrators, curriculum planners, and policymakers in promoting STEM education and informed career decision-making.

Attitude, Mathematics, Science, Career Aspirations, STEM Education, Senior Secondary Students, Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir.

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