Predictors of vocation in Science and Technology in young people: Case study on perceptions of secondary school students and the influence of participating in innovative educational experiences

Abstract

Attitudinal factors have a high predictive capacity of vocation towards Science and Technology these in young people, of great interest for the social demand of professionals in STEM areas. This paper studies in a sample of 159 Spanish high school students, their perceptions towards three variables involved: acceptance of inquiry as a way of thinking, interest in studying scientific careers and motivation in science classes, differentiating behaviors according to gender and level educational. Likewise, the influence of these factors on students participating in innovative proposals that brought them closer to scientific research is analyzed in case studies, finding an increase in their tendency to study scientific careers and motivation in science classes. Conclusions are proposed about the contribution of these experiences to scientific education and the strategic objective of promoting scientific vocations in students.