Short stories of educational choice: In the words of science and technology students

Abstract

In this chapter, we analyse written responses from science and technology students in Denmark, Norway and England to the open-ended question “Please describe how you came to choose this course”. Seven hundred eighty-four responses collected with the IRIS questionnaire instrument were analysed through a thematic approach and described in relation to expectancy-value theory for educational choice. Expressions of interest and intrinsic motivation dominated the responses, but utility value, expectation of success and attainment value were also among the motivations described. Concerning the sources of interest and enjoyment with science and technology, respondents referred to school experiences, family influence, popular science and outreach. Our results indicate that building and maintaining adolescents’ interest through presenting a variety of science and technology contents and contexts both in and outside of school is essential for making these subjects a real option for many students. Outreach and recruitment efforts may have an important role particularly in connection with educational decision points. The great emphasis respondents put on personal interest and enjoyment is discussed in relation to late modern ideals of self-realisation and identity development.