THE CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY GRADE 11 STEM STUDENTS IN THEIR

SPECIALIZED SUBJECTS.
Introduction
An important turning point in a student's academic path occurs when they enter Grade 11,
particularly for those who have selected the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics) strand. Specialized subjects are taught at this level to help students better understand a
variety of logical and scientific ideas. However, these courses often provide particular difficulties that
can increase students' learning load. The increased complexity and difficulty of these specialized
subjects in comparison to prior academic years is one of the main reasons why students could find
them tough. The topics in STEM education become more complicated as students journey,
demanding a higher degree of comprehension and critical thinking. Some students find it difficult to
make changes from basic concepts to more complicated subjects, which makes it harder for them to
understand and apply the information. According to observations made by previous researchers,
Grade 11 students who choose the STEM Strand encounter various difficulties. For some, the
transition to more specialized courses can be too much to handle, which makes it harder for them to
retain their grades, understand the material, and keep up with the curriculum's pace.The primary goal
of this research is to study and determine the challenges faced by grade 11 STEM students in their
specialized subjects. By investigating these challenges, we want to gain insights into specific areas in
which students may struggle, the variables that contribute to these difficulties, and potential
solutions. This study will add to the existing body of knowledge in STEM education and offer
educators more essential information for improving teaching methods and curriculum design.
Theoretical background of the study
The strain of academic pressure and workload is one of the primary challenges that STEM students
face when specializing. Students in STEM disciplines must accomplish rigorous coursework and
laboratory work, as well as develop complex problem-solving skills. A student's specialization
becomes more challenging as they advance, which increases stress and anxiety. STEM students
reported higher levels of academic stress compared to their non-STEM counterparts, according to
Jones and Childers (2018). As highlighted by Aspillera (2014) in his article, the experiences of
students in STEM strands reveal the existence of various distinctive problems that necessitate
attention and understanding. Despite the challenges faced by STEM students, they bravely take them
on, which necessitates the development of vital skills to overcome STEM complexities. This belief is
supported by research, by Rhodes (2017), who has identified specific strategies and mindsets that can
help students overcome obstacles in STEM education.
Knowledge gap to be filled
Limited research has been undertaken on techniques and treatments that can effectively address the
issues that Grade 11 STEM students face in their specialized areas. While there is previous research
that outlines the issues that grade 11 stem students encounter in their specialized topics, there is a
lack of comprehensive studies that focus on effective strategies and interventions to overcome these
challenges.
Main research question
What STEM specialized subjects do students have difficulty with?
What are the challenges encountered by students in each difficult subject?
What are the coping mechanisms of students in those difficult subjects?