ECB

Armstrong (2000)

Data from 245 male and 257 female adolescents who reported occupational aspirations and expectations in grades 8, 9, and 10 indicated that those who had significant aspiration-expectation discrepancies in one grade made significant changes in aspiration the following year. To the extent the changes were toward more realistic or accessible occupations, they represent compromises. (SK)

Bandura (2001)

Tested a structural model of the network of sociocognitive influences shaping children's career aspirations and trajectories among 272 early adolescents. Found that subjects' perceived efficacy rather than their actual academic achievement was the key determinant of their perceived occupational self-efficacy and preferred choice of worklife. Analyses of gender differences revealed that perceived occupational self-efficacy predicted traditionality of career choice. (Author/KB)

Becker (2009)

The recent shortage of engineers has triggered a plethora of efforts to promote science and technology (S&T) as attractive career options. Normally, it is assumed that young people shy away from “tough majors” or make irrational choices, based on an absence of information. This in turn leads to even more initiatives trying to convince them, very often based on the selfish interests of the parties involved, but without taking possible concerns seriously. While not denying the fundamental necessity for a higher share of the population having a background in science and technology, I want to pursue a different approach. Only by identifying potentially valid reasons for the lack of interest in S&T will it be possible to change not just some “misguided” perceptions among the younger generation, but to make viable recommendations for necessary changes in society. Therefore, this presentation will discuss the importance of image and status, the influence of society and peer groups, as well as financial rewards and career aspects. It will be shown that, to a large extent, the universally observable trend away from S&T is due to rational decisions, determined by the “boundary conditions” set by society itself. Some possible action items to improve this situation are suggested.

Becker (2010)

The quest for engineers during the past boom and predictions of future shortages have focused attention on the low enrolment figures in science and technology (S&T) subjects. Normally, it is assumed that young people shy away from "tough majors" or make irrational choices, based on an absence of information. While not denying the fundamental necessity that a higher proportion of the population should have a background in S&T, this paper pursues a different approach. Only by identifying potentially valid reasons for the lack of interest in S&T will it be possible to change not just some "misguided" perceptions among the younger generation, but to categorise the facts and make targeted recommendations for necessary changes. Therefore, this article will discuss the importance of image and status, the influence of society and peer groups, as well as financial rewards and career aspects. It will be shown that the universally observable trend away from S&T is not due to a dislike of technology on the part of the younger generation, but is caused by the fact that careers in this field do not seem attractive enough, especially in comparison with alternatives available in developed countries. Some recommendations to improve this situation are offered. (Contains 1 table and 14 figures.)

Bouras (2008)

In the context of recent debates on technological literacy, a renewed research effort has focused on the nature of technologies. The aim of this work, which considers "epistemological knowledge" as viewpoints which spring into gear in a given situation, is to use questionnaires and interviews to identify the opinions of teachers in a training institute for master technicians in Tunisia on technologies. The objective was to try and define how these teachers perceive the relations between sciences, technologies and societies and how social and cultural aspects affect their discourse on technologies. The results of the questionnaires and the analysis of their discourses indicate that teachers essentially perceive technology as an applied science for which the ultimate purpose is progress and consumption. The relations identified by teachers between technologies, sciences and societies, reveal dichotomies between science and technology both with respect to the status teachers attribute to knowledge and to their views on its teaching.

Cochran (2011)

In the context of recent debates on technological literacy, a renewed research effort has focused on the nature of technologies. The aim of this work, which considers "epistemological knowledge" as viewpoints which spring into gear in a given situation, is to use questionnaires and interviews to identify the opinions of teachers in a training institute for master technicians in Tunisia on technologies. The objective was to try and define how these teachers perceive the relations between sciences, technologies and societies and how social and cultural aspects affect their discourse on technologies. The results of the questionnaires and the analysis of their discourses indicate that teachers essentially perceive technology as an applied science for which the ultimate purpose is progress and consumption. The relations identified by teachers between technologies, sciences and societies, reveal dichotomies between science and technology both with respect to the status teachers attribute to knowledge and to their views on its teaching.

Constantinou (2008)

Not available

Cook (2002)

Proposes an ecological perspective on career counseling for women of color and white women to conceptualize the dynamic interaction between the person and environment. Provides suggestions for career counselors regarding the implementation of an ecological perspective in career counseling. (Contains 48 references.) (GCP)

ERT (2009)

http://www.ert.eu/sites/default/files/MST%20Report%20FINAL.pdf

European Council (2003)

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/75136.pdf

European Council (2008)

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32008H0390:EN:NOT

European Commission (2004)

http://ec.europa.eu/research/conferences/2004/sciprof/pdf/final_en.pdf

European Commission (2007)

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=SPLIT_COM:2007:0803(05):FIN:en:PDF

EUROSTAT (2009)

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/statistics_explained/index.php/Human_resources_in_science_and_technology

Fenichel (2010)

http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=12614

Ford (2003)

Not available

Fouad (2007)

Work is integral to human functioning, and all psychologists need to understand the role of work in people's lives. Understanding factors influencing work choices and helping individuals effectively make career decisions is the focus of vocational psychologists. However, external changes, such as shifts in the economy and labor force, as well as initiatives within the field are challenging the assumptions within vocational psychology. This chapter reviews the empirical work since 1995 in four areas: (a) what factors influence career choices, (b) how people make career decisions, (c) how context influences career choices, and (d) effective interventions for help with the first three questions. The review focuses first on vocational psychology's rich tradition of theoretically driven research, and then discusses research in career development that crosses a number of theoretical approaches, and finally identifies the assumptions in the field and questions for future examination.

Fouad (2005)

The authors focus on career counseling from a cultural perspective, using the proxy construct of race/ethnicity. They briefly describe traditional career counseling and critique the degree to which the myriad cultural contexts that shape clients' career development are incorporated into vocational theories and practice. They conducted a meta-analysis of research that has investigated the relationship between culture and vocational choice variables and concluded (a) that race/ethnicity differences do not greatly affect career aspirations but (b) that there are differences among racial/ethnic groups in perceptions of career-related opportunities and barriers. (Contains 4 tables.)

Gago (2004)

http://ec.europa.eu/research/conferences/2004/sciprof/pdf/gago.pdf

Holland (1985)

Not available

Iredale (1996)

Not available

Kesidou (2002)

Reports on a study that examines how well middle school programs support the attainment of key scientific ideas specified in the national science standards. Identifies the typical strengths and weaknesses of these programs using research-based criteria. (Contains 88 references.) (DDR)

Kisner (1997)

Defines school-business partnerships and reviews changes in such partnerships over the past 25 years. Provides steps to building effective partnerships for school-to-work activities: review the school's mission; select partners that will bring strength to the relationship; set clearly defined, realistic goals; maintain the partnership; and evaluate the partnership for success. (25 citations) (AJL)

Lent (1994)

Presents a social cognitive framework based on Bandura's theory for understanding three aspects of career development: development of career interests, academic and career choices, and performance and persistence. Focus is on how self-efficacy, expected outcome, and goal interrelate with gender, context, and experiential factors. (SK)

Mau (2003)

Investigates students' persistence regarding career aspirations in science and engineering (SE) professional careers as a function of race and sex. In a sample of 8th graders, men were more likely to persist in SE career aspirations. Academic proficiency and math self-efficacy were 2 of the strongest predictors of persistence in SE careers. (Contains 35 references and 3 tables.) (GCP)

Miller (1999)

Reports data from a questionnaire-based United Kingdom study that examined male and female students at ages 8, 12, and 16 for occupational sex-role stereotypes, occupational preferences, and favorite school subjects. Observed differences between gender and among age groups for occupational stereotypes. Suggests that gender stereotyping of school subjects in weakening. (CMK)

OECD (2008)

Encouraging Student Interest in Science and Technology Studies examines overall trends in higher education enrolments and the evolution of S&T compared with other disciplines. The results suggest that although absolute numbers of S&T students have been rising as access to higher levels of education expands in OECD economies, the relative share of S&T students among the overall student population has been falling, The report shows that encouraging interest in S&T studies requires action to tackle a host of issues inside and outside the education system, ranging from teacher training and curriculum design to improving the image of S&T careers. Numerous examples of national initiatives are used to complement the analyses to derive a set of practical recommendations.

PENCIL (2004)

This report presents eight criteria of innovation, which may be used to identify effective practice in science teaching and learning at the intersection between formal and informal learning contexts. The criteria are derived from the analysis and evaluation of the products and practices of the 14 pilot projects comprising Pencil, and as such build on findings presented in two associated reports, D10 and D31. This report has been prepared by researchers from King’s College London, and the University Federico II, Naples. http://www.xplora.org/shared/data/xplora/pdf/Pencil_D28.pdf

Perkins (1988)

Students often fail to apply knowledge and skills learned in one context to other situations. Although the implicit assumption in educational practice has been that transfer takes care of itself, a knowledge of the mechanisms of transfer can enable educators to help their students integrate general and local knowledge. (TE)

Putila (2004)

Not only are the age groups getting smaller, but engineering education and consequently industry is facing the threat of running out of potential candidates by losing them to other disciplines through competition between professions. Even more profound challenge is not having enough potential with needed prerequisites to choose from due to young peoples’ lack of interest in mathematics, science and technology itself. There is a persistently low participation of girls in technical education & training, especially in the disciplines of mechanical engineering, IT and electronics. This has also been taken into closer focus when considering the challenge of recruiting promising students into engineering education. The Finnish higher engineering education institutes together with industry and engineering organisations have taken this challenge seriously and have set up several initiatives to tackle the problem. In order not to count the boys out, while emphasising new approaches to motivate girls, these projects are trying to focus on finding approaches which motivate both girls and boys to choose engineering studies after secondary education. http://ben.upc.es/butlleti/sefi/pdf/OUTLINES/18.SEFI_Outline_Miettinen_Putila.pdf

Savickas (2005)

Not available

Singh (2004)

This study examined relations between three career decision-making strategies (rational, intuitive, and dependent) and person--job fit among 361 professionals who had recently changed jobs. We found that the relation between each decision-making strategy and fit was contingent upon the concurrent use of other strategies. A rational strategy related more strongly to fit when individuals also engaged in extensive intuitive decision making than when they engaged in limited intuitive decision making. In addition, a dependent strategy related negatively to fit only in the absence of extensive rational or intuitive strategies. Moreover, self-awareness and awareness of the environment mediated relations between career decision-making strategies and person--job fit. The implications of these findings for future research on career decision making were discussed.

UPC (2008)

Not available

Zunker (1994)

Not available