An exploratory study of the perception of guidance counsellors regarding the challenges in encouraging female students to opt for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects at post primary level

The overall aim of this research study was to develop understanding of guidance counsellors’ role in guiding females to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. The study explored guidance counsellors’ perception of STEM and its impact on subject choice. The influence of gender and parents on subject choice were also investigated. A qualitative approach was used in this research study. Semi structured face to face interviews were used to collect primary data. Those interviewed were guidance counsellors working with female students in post primary education in the west of Ireland. Four main themes identified in the primary data- The Guidance Counsellor’s Perception of STEM, Gender Stereotyping, The Influence of Parents as Perceived by Guidance Counsellors and The Influence of Gender, Culture and Society. A number of recommendations are proposed based on these findings in the areas of practice, policy and future research. Recommendations include that policy makers should reflect on the needs of all-girls schools and STEM subject provision, that awareness of gender stereotyping be built into teacher education programmes and guidance counsellor CPD and that further research should be done into the influence of parents on children with regards to subject and career choice.