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<p><?noindent??>This study examined the factors influencing Malaysian secondary school students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) using the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) as a guiding framework. The key constructs investigated were self-efficacy, outcome expectations, self-input, and learning experiences. A quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire consisting of 38 items measured on a five-point Likert scale. Data were collected from 456 secondary school students in Kuala Lumpur and Sabah who participated in a STEM outreach programme. The survey was administered during the programme, and the data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS 3.0 to examine predictive relationships among constructs. The findings indicated that self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self-input significantly predicted STEM interest, whereas learning experience did not demonstrate a direct significant effect. Given that the sample comprised outreach participants, the findings reflect motivational patterns among students already exposed to STEM enrichment activities and should not be generalized to the broader student population. The study contributes empirical evidence on the applicability of SCCT in the Malaysian secondary school context and offers targeted implications for educators and programme designers seeking to strengthen STEM engagement initiatives.</p>

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Using data-driven insights to understand factors shaping STEM interest in secondary education

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月28日

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  • Nasir Abdul Jalil,
  • Nur Syakilah Laege,
  • Nurul Syazwana Zainol Arifin

摘要

This study examined the factors influencing Malaysian secondary school students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) using the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) as a guiding framework. The key constructs investigated were self-efficacy, outcome expectations, self-input, and learning experiences. A quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire consisting of 38 items measured on a five-point Likert scale. Data were collected from 456 secondary school students in Kuala Lumpur and Sabah who participated in a STEM outreach programme. The survey was administered during the programme, and the data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS 3.0 to examine predictive relationships among constructs. The findings indicated that self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self-input significantly predicted STEM interest, whereas learning experience did not demonstrate a direct significant effect. Given that the sample comprised outreach participants, the findings reflect motivational patterns among students already exposed to STEM enrichment activities and should not be generalized to the broader student population. The study contributes empirical evidence on the applicability of SCCT in the Malaysian secondary school context and offers targeted implications for educators and programme designers seeking to strengthen STEM engagement initiatives.