Determinants of University students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education in Nigeria: A case of a structural equation modelling.

Title

Author(s)

Ugwuanyi, C.S. & Okeke, C.I.O. See all items with this value

Date

2020 See all items with this value

Description

The role of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (STEME) in National development cannot be overemphasized. However, the enrollment of students in the STEME courses at the university level seems not to be encouraging. Moreover, literature is scarce on the major determinants of students' interest in STEME courses. Thus, this study explored the possible determinants of university students’ interest in STEME courses using a structural equation modeling approach. The study adopted a correctional research design using a sample of 255 undergraduate Science Education students in Universities in Enugu State Nigeria. STEME students’ interest determinants questionnaire and STEME Interest scale were used for data collection. The two instruments were properly face validated by test development experts. The internal consistency reliability indices for the two instruments were 0.85 and 0.79 respectively. A structural equation modeling statistical approach was used to analyze the data. The model fit of the data was tested using the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) and Confirmatory Factor Index (CFI). The result showed that there was a significant model fit for the data, RMSEA = 0.45, CFI = 0.965. The results further revealed that motivation, selfefficacy, self-esteem, and task persistence are significant (p<.05) determinants of students’ interest in STEME courses. This result implies that students have high motivation, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and task persistence are bound to do well in any of the STEME courses at the University level. Therefore, it was recommended among others that students should be adequately supported by their parents for the sake of their academic excellence in University.

Publisher

International Journal of Mechanical and Production Engineering Research and Development See all items with this value

Identifier

DOI

Keywords

Determinants, Science Technology And Mathematics Education, University Students’ Interest, Nigeria See all items with this value

volume

10

issue

3

pages

6209–6218

A Vision and Mission

Determinants of University students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education in Nigeria: A case of a structural equation modelling.