The role of career guidance in secondary school subject choice : a case study

Abstract

This case study considered the factors which influence Maltese students in their Year 8 subject choice and the career guidance they are offered to assist them in their choice. Gottfredson’s theory of Circumscription, Compromise and Self-Creation illustrates how both individual and environmental factors influence decision making according to the different stages of career development. Furthermore, Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital and the educational advantage enjoyed by middle class students provide further insight into students’ subject choice. Research was carried out in a state college in two phases. In the first phase, a questionnaire was distributed among all Year 9 students who had gone through the option exercise during the previous scholastic year. Within the second phase, qualitative interviews were carried out with three career guidance professionals who work at the college and six Year 9 students who would have liked to make changes to their subject choice. Three main factors emerged as influencing students in their choice: interest in the subject; utility of the subject; and perceived ability in the subject. Gender specific choices were observed and aspirations were somewhat determined by the father’s occupation. While students were offered a three tiered service of career guidance, they nevertheless appeared to have limited knowledge about career guidance services in their school. Indeed, very few students sought individual career guidance sessions. The majority of students consulted their parents prior to making their choice. A number of suggestions on improving the option exercise are put forward, while further research on increasing collaboration between the school and parents is proposed.