The roles of parents in cultivating children's interest towards science learning and careers

Abstract

     This research investigated the opportunities provided by parents to their children with the aim of facilitating science learning and promoting careers related to science. This exploratory qualitative research used the semi-structured interview method with seven parents who were purposively sampled for the study. Their children (16 years old) had just enrolled to study pure science subjects (science stream) such as Physics at the upper secondary level of a rural school. The interview data were transcribed, coded, and categorized based on identified themes. An overall finding was that the parents had positive values toward science. Six themes were identified and were further categorized into two major factors a) parental support and b) parental academic expectations. The parental support factor included being supportive in i) their children choosing the science stream at the upper secondary level, ii) providing assistance in increasing the children's achievement in science subjects, iii) involvement in increasing interest in science iv) involvement in science-related activities, and v) supportive in science-related career choices. The parental academic expectation factor identified the sixth theme, namely the parents' continuous profound interest in their children's achievements in science. These identified factors can help the stakeholders to plan effective educational intervention involving parents' collaboration in increasing the interest of children toward science learning and careers.