What Do Students Say About Their Science Class? A Cross-study from the Sixth Grade (Primary School) to the Fourth Grade (Secondary School).

Abstract

This paper reports the opinions of students toward their secondary school science education and examined the differences in opinions over the last five years of compulsory school and according to gender. The study in question was a part of a science project organizaed by the City Hall. Data were drawn from students from 8 primary schools and 19 secondary schools from Barcelona. Students indicate their views about their school science education and their choice of carrier using the questionnaire-based Relevance of Science Education Project (ROSE). Results show the opinions tpward science declined as they progressed through their schooling, and this decline was more pronounced in the first years of secondary school. Results also indicate that gender, differences are lower than obtained in other countries. When examining the students who wish to become scientists separately from the others, different patterns were identified regarding the usefulness of science in their daily lives and with the knowledge of new professions.