Students Perceptions towards the Practice of Science Education Stream Choice in Secondary Schools of Kembata Tembaro Zone: Implication for 70:30 Students‟ Admission to Tertiary Education

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the existing situations of Student perceptions towards the practice of science education stream choice and its implication for 70:30 admissions. Descriptive survey design was employed. Cluster sampling technique and was employed to select the sample Woredas, schools, school principals, teachers and students. Quantitative data collected through questionnaires were analyzed by using mean scores and standard deviation. Consequently, the main findings reveal that there is no career advice, guidance and information provided by schools. Students’ were forced by school administrators to science education stream. It is also perceived that Science education is difficult to get job opportunities in labor market when compared to social science education. Students perceive Science education as more difficult to do than social science. Moreover, Students’ lack Science laboratory practices in earlier grades. Regarding implications of students perceptions for 70:30 admission to tertiary education; students do not complete their studying in science education because they have the plan to drop from science stream, Schools are not preparing students to become familiar with science initiative activities in the school. Therefore, respondents were still lacking positive perceptions towards science education streaming practices at school level. Hence, in order to attract students’ participation in science education stream and to enhance countries’ manpower in science and technology, it is better if more attention was taken by education offices ,particularly, Kembata Tembaro Zone Town administration. To improve students‟ participation, Schools also practice students streaming based on students interest and ability rather than forcing students to be enrolled in natural science stream. Finally, further studies can be conducted in same area considering data from rural schools to get the full picture of problem.