The Effect Of Role Modeling On Secondary School Girls Attitude, Interest And Science Related Career Choice In Lagos State

ABSTRACT

This study was focused on the effect of role modeling on secondary school girls' attitude, interest and science related career choice. The research design employed was a pre-test, post-test control group design. The sample consisted of 500 female students randomly selected from ten secondary schools in Lagos State. Data was gathered and analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings from the study indicated that 'Printed Role Modeling' and 'Video Role Modelling' were successful at improving attitudes, increasing interest and consideration of a science career.

·         12% of the students were aware of any career in science.

·         More than 70% of the students claimed that the most important factor that influenced them in doing science at S.S.I was the Printed Role Model exposed to them.

·         Majority of the students that indicated interest at J.SS. III claimed that their J.S.S III result made it impossible for them to enroll in science.

·         About 67% of the students claimed that they were not doing science because scientists test people for AIDS.

Based on the main findings, it was concluded that role modeling is effective in improving attitudes, increasing interest and course enrolment in science- related careers. A role model can serve as evidence that a successful career in science is not only a possibility but a viable option for females. The existence of role models does matter, and it matters to girls in their careerselection Recommendations and suggestions for further investigation based on this study were thereby given in this research.