Abstract
A student’s motivational orientation is considered to be a predictor of a range of related education decisions, from attending classes to choosing a particular course or a profession. This survey study conducted with student volunteers (males = 519; females = 904) enrolled in secondary school science-math academic stream in Thailand investigated the relationship between measures of motivation (achievement goal orientation and physics and biology classroom anxiety) and aspirations for high earning science and math related careers. Results of multiple discriminant analyses showed gender differences in the motivational factors that influence career aspirations. Our interpretation of the findings highlights the significance of cultural beliefs about gender in decision making for careers.
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Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Barbara E. Coon for her help and critical feedback. We are also grateful to the administrators and teachers of Nongkhai and Udon Thani secondary schools for their assistance with data collection.
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Koul, R., Lerdpornkulrat, T. & Chantara, S. Relationship Between Career Aspirations and Measures of Motivation Toward Biology and Physics, and the Influence of Gender. J Sci Educ Technol 20, 761–770 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-010-9269-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-010-9269-9