Effect of iSTEM Approach on Female Students’ Attitude towards Mathematics Career Selection among Senior Secondary School Students in Sokoto State, Nigeria
*1Siba Amina Umar, 2Muhammad Nasiru Hassan & 3N. I. Tambuwal
*1,2&3Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, Sokoto State University, Sokoto State, Nigeria Email: sibaamina111@gmail.com1
Abstract
Mathematics plays a crucial role in STEM careers, providing the foundation for problem solving and logical reasoning; yet, female students often exhibit lower participation and motivation in pursuing mathematics related fields. This study examines the impact of the iSTEM approach on female students’ attitude toward selecting mathematics as a career in Sokoto State, Nigeria. The research addressed two research questions and tested corresponding hypotheses. The study population comprised 1769 female public senior secondary school students, from which 370 SSII students were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Four senior secondary schools were chosen through simple random sampling and intact classes were assigned to both the experimental or control groups purposively. The study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design, where the experimental groups received instruction using the iSTEM approach, while the control groups were taught using the conventional approach. Data were collected using a Students Attitude towards Mathematic Career selection Questionnaire (SAMCSQ)The two null hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 alpha level of significance using the Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxom. The results indicated significant changes in attitude, demonstrating how the iSTEM experience influenced students’ perceptions, beliefs and behaviors (attitude) regarding mathematics careers. Based on the findings, the researchers recommends that curriculum developers integrate the iSTEM approach into mathematics teaching. Teachers should receive training in hands-on, interdisciplinary methods, while targeted programs like mentorship and STEM clubs can help sustain female students' interest in mathematics related careers.
Keywords
Female Students, Attitude, Career Selection, iSTEM approach, and Mathematics
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