PARENTALENGAGEMENTASACORRELATEOFIN-SCHOOLADOLESCENTS'INTERESTINSTEMFIELDSINKWARASTATE

Abstract

This study investigated parental engagement as correlate of in-school adolescents' interest in STEM fields in
Kwara State. This study employed a descriptive research design of a correlational type. The population for this
study comprised all junior secondary school students in Kwara State. The target population comprised all junior
secondary school in Ilorin. There were 79 public secondary schools in Ilorin. Simple random sampling
technique was used to select 10 students in 25 schools bringing the total number of respondents to 250. An
adapted questionnaire titled “Questionnaire on Parents Engagement and Adolescent Interest in STEM”
(QPEAI_STEM) was used to collect the data. The findings showed that the level of parental engagement among
In-school Adolescents in Kwara State was relatively low. There was significant high positive relationship
between Parental Engagement and Adolescents' Interest in STEM fields in Kwara State. The study
recommended that educational psychologist and teachers should raise awareness about the significance of
parental involvement in STEM education and address any existing barriers to foster a supportive environment
for adolescent learners in the region. The state government should develop comprehensive strategies aimed at
enhancing STEM engagement, providing hands-on experiences, and showcasing the relevance and real-world
applications of STEM disciplines to inspire and cultivate interest among in-school adolescents in Kwara State.