Teresa Ribeirinha
School of Education
Polytechnic University of Santarem
Santarém, Portugal
Life Quality Research Centre
Rio Maior, Portugal
Marisa Correia
School of Education
Polytechnic University of Santarem
Santarém, Portugal
Life Quality Research Centre
Rio Maior, Portugal
Mónica Baptista
Instituto de Educação
University of Lisbon
UIDEF
Lisbon, Portugal
Abstract:
The main objective of this study was to investigate
the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
career interests of secondary school students in Portugal. Data
were collected from a sample of 190 twelfth grade students,
consisting of 106 females and 84 males, using the STEM Career
Interest Survey. The results showed that interest in careers in
engineering tended to be lower than interest in mathematics,
science, and technology among secondary school students. The
study also found a gender gap in students’ interest in science,
engineering, and technology careers. Female students were less
interested in engineering and technology-related careers than
their male counterparts, but more interested in science-related
careers. These findings can inform education policy makers,
curriculum developers, teachers, and researchers about the
importance of STEM education in nurturing and cultivating
students’ interest in STEM fields.
Keywords—career, interest, secondary students, STEM
education
