30 / 2015-03-11 17:01:12

Factors Influencing Enrollment of Female Students in Agricultural Science Subjects in Gaborone Senior Secondary Schools

A descriptive type of research using a mailed questionnaire was conducted to identify the factors influencing the enrolment of female senior secondary school students in agricultural science subject. Statements were developed around four major domains of parent, student, teacher and school related variables that literature has asserted could contribute to the factors affecting enrolment in the subject. Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement on a five-point likert rating scale with the statements in the four domains. The questionnaire was prepared, validated and the reliability estimate calculated and found to be 0.75. Data collected were analysed and computed using frequencies and percentages. The respondents were one hundred and thirty-three (133) form five female students selected from senior secondary schools in Gaborone. Analysis of the data revealed that most of the female respondents were between the ages of 18-21 years. Their parents were both relatively young and were in their active or reproductive age bracket of 21-44 years. Majority of both parents (84.6%) received no formal education. The results further revealed that parent- related variables were the most important factors (96%) influencing female enrolment in the Agricultural science subjects in secondary schools. This was followed by the school related variables (51.8%), Agricultural science teachers related variables (38.7%) took the 3rd position while students related variables (37.8%) took the 4th position. The results of this survey revealed that the personal characteristics of the students surveyed had no influence on their responses. Results also revealed that both parents and teachers could play a significant role in changing female students' attitudes towards choosing Agricultural science subject in secondary schools.