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http://dx.doi.org/10.14697/jkase.2014.34.7.0613

Exploring Korean 4th Graders' Career Aspirations in Science with a Focus on Science Identity  

Kang, Eunhee (Seoul National University)
Kim, Chan-Jong (Seoul National University)
Choe, Seung-Urn (Seoul National University)
Noh, Taehee (Seoul National University)
Yoo, Junehee (Seoul National University)
Shim, Soo-Yean (Seoul National University)
Kim, Heui-Baik (Seoul National University)
Publication Information
Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education / v.34, no.7, 2014 , pp. 613-624 More about this Journal
Abstract
The aim of this study is to explore why Korean 4th graders' interest in science was not connected to career aspirations in science using the perspective of science identity. Forty-five students with a high interest in science but with low science-related aspirations have been chosen from 488 elementary school students who have completed a questionnaire exploring students' interest and career aspirations in science. Among them, 19 who have received parental permission participated in in-depth interviews examining students' science identities (interest, competence, and recognition by others in science) and their experiences and perceptions of science-related activities. The results showed that most students have limited or situational interest in science, a gap between the perception of their competence in science and their competence for a science-related career, and negative recognition by others in science. Also, participants' science identities and low aspirations for a science-related career constrained their attention and participation in science-related activities. Students' negative science identities and low aspirations for science-related careers were based on the high standards of science-related careers. It seems that these erroneous perceptions and expectations led them to differentiate themselves from students pursuing science-related careers, as well as to perceive that their interest, competence, and recognition by others in science were not enough to pursue a science-related career. This study has implications for understanding the current condition of young students with low aspirations for science careers and exploring desirable objectives and strategies to promote activities to raise their aspirations for science-related careers.
Keywords
interest in science; career aspiration in science; science identity; informal science activity;
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