Open AccessFACTORS AFFECTING COLLEGE DEGREE PREFERENCES OF SHS STEM STUDENTS OF THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY OF WESTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY
Author(s) -
Salimar Bendanillo Tahil
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.112
H-Index - 10
ISSN - 0033-3077
DOI - 10.17762/pae.v58i2.3011
Subject(s) - employability , psychology , personality , preference , medical education , conscientiousness , higher education , social psychology , big five personality traits , pedagogy , extraversion and introversion , political science , medicine , law , economics , microeconomics
The enforcement of the Senior High School (SHS) in the Philippines has caused fear among college programs of higher education institutions such as Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) that they might have a low turnout of enrollees. This research sought to identify factors impacting the college degree choice of Grade 12 STEM students of WMSU concerning the number of enrollees to its college degree programs. Results served as inputs on what measures can be taken by programs with a low number of enrollees. The study employed a descriptive-quantitative research design. Data were collected using a validated survey questionnaire on 160 students. The results revealed that interest factors were considered very influential among the five leading factors. Opportunity and personality factors have influenced students' college degree preference. In contrast, family factors somehow influenced them, while Peer factors have less influence on determining their college degree. The study further revealed that programs that integrate actual work experiences, have abundant career opportunities, and individual personality ideal to their chosen career significantly impacts students, thereby boosting their interest in pursuing that program. Students are also aware that family support is one crucial factor that affects their decision. However, no significant difference in the influence of family, interest, opportunity, and peer factors among graduating SHS STEM students, except for personality factors. Thus, a comprehensive information dissemination campaign regarding the program – its value, influence, and even employability, must be done by the college units is recommended.