Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Rationale

In the current competitive labor market, it is increasingly challenging for

higher education institutions to produce graduates that are well prepared for

employment (Pop C. & Khampirat B.,2019). One of the most effective

approaches to preparing students for employment is to create and develop

career aspirations and career goals which motivate and inspire those students

with regard to their employability and future careers (Clements AJ. And Kamau

C. 2018). Career aspirations are often linked to the political agendas of some

developed and developing countries, with social mobility and the enhancement

of work skills forming a basis for economic growth (Abiola J.2014)

The Senior Highschool subjects fall under either the Core Curriculum or

specific tracks. In the school year 2016-2017, the Department of Education

(DepEd) started implementing the senior high school under the K to 12

programs in the Philippines. The two additional years are intended to supply

enough time and to provide adequate knowledge and skills to prepare the

students for future employment (Bevins S. & Price G. ,2015). Four tracks were

offered in the said program, including the academic track where the STEM

strand is included.
 The implementation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and

Mathematics (STEM) in the science curriculum is evident when learners get the

clear picture on the importance of STEM for their career needs (Winkle, &

Pazos, 2016). For this reason, fulfilling the learning needs with awareness on

the knowledge of science for the future gives a positive influence towards

learners’ accomplishments especially with needs of the learning process that is

entailed to attitudes on STEM (Badri et al., 2016), science motivation (Wang &

Degol, 2013) and the strengthening of 21st century skills (Wah Chu et al.,

2017) as well as inclusivity of parents’ involvement (Rozek et al., 2017) on the

formation of learners’ STEM career interest.

While it is widely recognized that positive perceptions of STEM

professionals have a significant impact on students' career aspirations, there is

a noticeable gap in research regarding the formation of these perceptions and

the factors that contribute to their enhancement. Understanding how these

perceptions are shaped and identifying the key elements that strengthen them

is crucial for guiding students towards successful careers in STEM fields.

Further investigation is needed to explore the specific mechanisms through

which positive perceptions of STEM professionals are developed and the

various factors that can further foster and reinforce these perceptions among

students.

This study holds significant implications for teachers, students, school

administrators, and future researchers. For teachers, the study provides

valuable advice and insights into the career aspirations of STEM students,

enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence

their students' choices of college courses. This knowledge can assist teachers

in providing guidance and support to students as they navigate their future

career paths. Students, on the other hand, benefit from the study as it helps

them make informed decisions about their future courses and enhances their

understanding of the various influences on their career aspirations. School

administrators play a crucial role in allocating resources, developing research

policies, and fostering collaborations. By creating a research-friendly

environment and promoting a culture of research, administrators contribute to

the significance and success of practical research in schools. Lastly, future

researchers can utilize the findings of this study as a valuable source of

conceptual and research literature, providing suggestions and aiding in the

improvement of their knowledge and skills. Overall, the study's significance lies

in its potential impact on teachers, students, school administrators, and future

researchers, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of STEM

career aspirations.

The main objective of this study is to explore the interest and career

aspirations of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics on their

profile according to age, sex and grade level. Being exposed to STEM topics

early on often influences what students want to study in college. It is also help

them to know if their career aspirations align with their STEM interest.

Additionally, it helps them set goals, make decisions, and take actions that
align with what truly motivates them. By identifying their interests and

aspirations, they can pursue opportunities that bring fulfillment and

satisfaction, whether it's in your current career path.