Making subject choices: Influences on adolescents' decision making
Loading...
Date
2016
DOI
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Adolescent Success
Rights
Abstract
Middle Years students are required to make critical educational decisions with respect to subject
choices. These decisions occur in adolescence - a period of intense identity formation, strong emotions,
living in the moment and peer affiliation - characteristics which may affect decision making. Subject
choices either broaden or narrow future pathways, so what influences adolescent student decisionmaking?
A case study research investigation at one middle school involved teachers, students and
their parents/caregivers through the use of questionnaires, interviews and document analysis to reveal
various influences. Significant others (family, friends, older students and subject teachers), website
sources and course information booklets were among the most frequently cited influences, although
there were gender, ethnic and year-level variations. Structural issues related to school resourcing
and timetabling affected some students’ choices. Of concern was inadequate awareness of: subject
information, subjects required for entry to particular tertiary courses or career options, how to access
information or who to approach. The school careers’ advisor was rarely sought, and subject teachers
sometimes had little knowledge of progression in their field or career options. Implications arise from
the study about effective ways to support adolescents in making appropriate subject choices.
Description
Keywords
adolescents, decision making
Citation
Australian Journal of Middle Schooling, 2016, 16 (2), pp. 24 - 32 (9)